A tragic overdose at a motel in suburban West Palm Beach is raising new legal and ethical questions about Florida’s aggressive approach to drug-related deaths—and whether families of overdose victims can pursue justice in court.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Samir Mrsic was staying at the La Quinta Inn on Okeechobee Boulevard in March 2024 as part of a construction crew. After work one evening, Mrsic and a coworker were approached by two men offering drugs. The coworker bought marijuana. Mrsic purchased five pills believed to be Percocet.

Shortly after ingesting two or more of the pills, Mrsic collapsed. His coworker also overdosed but survived after receiving Narcan from paramedics. Mrsic did not survive. The Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental overdose caused by N-Desethyl isotonitazene—a synthetic opioid about 20 times more powerful than fentanyl.

A Year Later, an Arrest—and a First-Degree Murder Charge

In March 2025, nearly a year after Mrsic’s death, a Palm Beach County grand jury indicted 37-year-old Kirby LaGuardia on charges of first-degree murder by drug distribution and sale of a controlled substance. Authorities say LaGuardia was the individual who sold Mrsic the deadly pills, and surveillance footage places him at the scene that night.

Florida law, updated in 2017, allows prosecutors to charge drug dealers with murder if the drugs they distribute result in a fatal overdose. While this law has only been used in a handful of cases locally, prosecutors are increasingly willing to pursue these charges to hold dealers accountable.
LaGuardia has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bond. His next court date is scheduled for June.

Legal and Safety Considerations

While Mrsic’s death was ruled accidental, that does not mean his family is without legal recourse. Under Florida law, families may be able to file a wrongful death claim against parties whose actions—or negligence—directly contributed to a fatal incident.

In this case, several factors could come under legal scrutiny:

Whether the motel had adequate security and surveillance measures
The potential liability of individuals involved in the drug sale
The broader issue of synthetic opioids being sold under false pretenses

Families who lose a loved one to overdose often face stigma and isolation. But these deaths, especially when tied to dangerous synthetic substances disguised as prescription pills, may point to negligence, fraud, or even criminal misconduct.

What Families Should Know

Wrongful death lawsuits can provide financial relief for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. They can also hold dangerous individuals accountable and send a powerful message that every life has value.

If your family has lost someone due to an overdose or drug-related incident, you may have more legal options than you think. Our attorneys can review the facts, investigate further, and guide you on the best path forward.