Fentanyl Sales: Nephew of Chargers Legend Junior Seau Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge

San Diego, California – The nephew of late NFL star Junior Seau, Micah Rodgers Seau, entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday for a murder charge stemming from an alleged involvement in a fentanyl sale that resulted in a man’s fatal overdose.

Seau, 31, is accused of providing fentanyl pills to Connor Gerhart, 31, causing Gerhart’s death on June 1, 2023. Prosecutors claim Seau purchased pills from Sheri Cavanaugh, 59, and then sold them to Gerhart, with the victim passing away in his Pacific Beach residence the same day.

Both Seau and Cavanaugh are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit a crime, with the possibility of up to 15 years to life in state prison if convicted on all counts. Described as “longtime associates dealing illegal narcotics,” they are currently in custody following their arraignments in San Diego Superior Court.

District Attorney Summer Stephan condemned the defendants for their involvement in the fatal fentanyl sale, highlighting the dangers of the drug and the resulting overdose death. The D.A.’s Office has prosecuted eight individuals for homicide-related offenses related to fatal fentanyl transactions since 2017 and reported approximately 800 fentanyl-related deaths in San Diego County in 2021 and 2022.

Stephan emphasized the deadly consequences of fentanyl use, noting that the drug claimed more young lives than any other cause in the previous year. Selling fentanyl, despite knowing its extreme dangers, and causing death as a result constitutes murder under the law.

Connor Gerhart, the victim of the fatal overdose, was a San Diego native and a graduate of La Jolla Country Day High School. An online obituary revealed Gerhart’s background and aspirations, describing him as a recently married individual with a promising career in construction projects such as the redevelopment and expansion of key ports in the area.

The tragic loss of Gerhart serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with illegal drug activities and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. The case underscores the ongoing battle against illicit drug sales and the efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the distribution of deadly substances.