Sheriff’s office: Drug deal that led to death of woman was for meth worth $65 to $80

DALTON

— Two people charged with felony murder and other crimes following the death of a woman that the Murray County sheriff said was the result of a “botched drug deal” waived court appearances on Thursday and the cases will be referred to Superior Court.

Anthony James Clark, 27, of Dalton, and Jami Brooke Johnson, 20, of Whitfield County, are each charged with felony murder, robbery and possession of meth following the death of Stasha Fay Baggett near 252 Red Cut Road. Deputies were sent to the home on Wednesday around 12:10 a.m. and found her body.

Sheriff’s office Chief Deputy Jimmy Davenport said Thursday the incident concerned the sale of meth with an estimated street value of $65 to $80. Baggett was said to be the seller.

“There is nothing that leads us to believe that anyone else was involved,” Davenport said. “It was a dope deal that went bad. 100 percent bad.”

Davenport said Wednesday it appeared Baggett was trying to stop Clark and Johnson from leaving.

Sheriff Gary Langford said Wednesday: “I don’t know if she got run over or maybe struck a tree, but she was hanging on to the car as they were attempting to drive off. From her injuries, she was deceased when we got there. Deputies arrived and then they called for the coroner.”

Langford said Clark, the driver, left on foot. He was seen walking down a road about eight hours later and was arrested by deputies without incident.

Davenport said Thursday that Johnson at first remained on the scene but was later brought in by Whitfield County deputies.

“She stayed for an interview when our deputies arrived and we allowed her to leave,” Davenport said. “After we developed more information we were able to bring her back in very quickly.”

Davenport said Baggett’s body has been sent for an autopsy.