By Devin Fry
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A 41-year-old Fargo man is facing felony charges in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred earlier this month.
James Earl Beal has been charged with delivery of fentanyl causing overdose death, along with another felony charge for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, and a misdemeanor count of refusal to halt.
On October 10, 2025, Fargo Police officers responded to a suspected overdose death at a house on 47th Avenue South. Officers found a woman dead in a basement bedroom with evidence indicating an overdose.
The Cass County Drug Task Force conducted a forensic analysis of the victim’s cell phone, which revealed Facebook messages between her and a man using the alias “Shug”. Police say that was a known Alias for Beal.
According to court documents, the messages showed evidence of fentanyl sales, including photos of the suspected drug and arrangements to meet at a specific address.
Surveillance video from the location corroborated the digital evidence, showing the victim arrive and meet with Beal before entering a residence briefly and returning to her vehicle.
On October 23, task force agents located Beal in North Fargo to serve multiple outstanding felony warrants. When officers identified themselves and ordered Beal to stop, they say he fled on foot through an apartment building, discarding a handgun, keys, and a cell phone during the chase.
Beal was apprehended in a nearby parking lot.
During the arrest, officers seized fentanyl powder and an auto-opening knife from Beal’s person. A search of his property also revealed about 56 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies, and other drug paraphernalia.
Charges were filed on October 24.
