Sneads Ferry man arrested after investigation into two overdose deaths

ONSLOW COUNTY (WWAY) — A 42-year-old man was arrested in connection to two overdose deaths in Onslow and Pender counties.

Sean Lewis Kirby of Sneads Ferry was identified as a person of interest in an investigation from November 2025.

On November 8, deputies responded to a residence on Dunn Road in Sneads Ferry in reference to an unresponsive person. When deputies arrived, they located 45-year-old Tonia Martin, who was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of a fentanyl overdose.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, members of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit and Pender County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a property in Sneads Ferry, as part of the investigation into Martin’s death and an additional death that occurred in Pender County.

Investigators located Kirby at the residence and seized approximately 15 grams of fentanyl, $5,960 in cash, two handguns, and two rifles.

Kirby faces multiple charges, including two counts of Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Fentanyl, and Maintaining a Vehicle, Dwelling, or Place for Controlled Substances.

He is being held without bond.