New Details Confirm Woman Charged in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Had Been Working as a Local EMT
SOUTH ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – New developments have emerged in the case of Mikayla Empey, the 22-year-old woman charged with third-degree felony murder following the fentanyl overdose death of Lenore Ann Richard, 65, in January 2022.
Following allegations that Empey was an EMT with Allina Health, we contacted Allina Health officials and have confirmed that Empey was formerly employed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from August 28, 2023, until December 5, 2024. According to the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, Empey received her EMT certification on June 19, 2023.
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office did not file charges or issue a warrant against Empey until November 27, 2024—nearly three years after the incident and a year after she had begun her role as an EMT with Allina Health. This delay has raised questions about the timeline of the investigation, the prosecutorial process, and her employment with Allina Health.
Bail and Legal Proceedings
Court filings show that Empey posted $65,000 bail on December 2, 2024, following her arrest on November 28, 2024. She faces third-degree felony murder charges, which allege that she sold, gave, or distributed a Schedule II controlled substance, resulting in death.
Her Omnibus Hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2024, at the Dakota County Courthouse in Hastings, Minnesota.
Investigation Details
The South St. Paul Police Department launched its investigation in January 2022 after Richard was hospitalized and later died from fentanyl toxicity. Evidence gathered included pills containing fentanyl, text messages detailing a drug transaction, and witness testimony allegedly linking Empey to the delivery of the pills. You can find our original story here: Farmington Woman Faces Charges for Felony Murder in Fentanyl Overdose Death.
Public Safety Reminder
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fentanyl misuse and the dangers posed by illicitly manufactured pills. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and has fueled a worsening opioid crisis across Minnesota. While Empey’s professional background as a former EMT adds complexity to the case even though she was employed before any official charges were issued, authorities stress the importance of accountability and ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
As with all cases, charges are allegations, and Empey remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Updates will be provided as the case progresses.
Written by: Will Wight