Pawtucket Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl Sentenced to Federal Prison

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that a Pawtucket man has been sentenced to 50 years in state prison for multiple felony drug offenses, including delivering a fatal dose of fentanyl to 35-year-old Tokie Zammarelli in 2022. The case marked the first trial and conviction under Kristen’s Law, which allows prosecutors to charge drug dealers whose sales lead to fatal overdoses. Walik Morrison, 44, was sentenced on March 24, 2025, in Providence County Superior Court. Superior Court Justice William E. Carnes imposed a 50-year sentence, with 40 years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI). Morrison was found guilty of delivering a controlled substance that resulted in death, as well as multiple counts of drug possession with intent to distribute.

Conviction Under Kristen’s Law

Following a five-day trial that concluded on December 10, 2024, Morrison was convicted of nine felony charges. These included delivery of a controlled substance resulting in death, conspiracy to deliver, and possession with intent to deliver cocaine, fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, tramadol, xylazine, and marijuana. He was also found guilty of possessing between one ounce and one kilogram of controlled substances. Kristen’s Law, enacted in 2018, was applied for the first time in this case. It allows for enhanced penalties for drug dealers when their products directly cause an overdose death. Attorney General Neronha praised the law’s impact and stated, “Those who push fentanyl and drive overdose deaths must be held accountable. This conviction sends a strong message that such actions carry serious consequences.”

Overdose of Tokie Zammarelli and Police Investigation

On January 25, 2022, Tokie Zammarelli contacted Morrison to request cocaine. Instead, he delivered a powdered mixture that contained fentanyl. Hours later, Tokie’s husband found her unresponsive. Despite efforts by Pawtucket Fire and Rescue, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The medical examiner confirmed that Zammarelli died from combined cocaine and fentanyl toxicity. The fentanyl level in her system was more than three times the typical fatal dose. Investigators recovered Tokie’s phone and uncovered text messages confirming the drug transaction. Surveillance and a subsequent search warrant led police to Morrison’s residence on February 15, 2022.

During the search, detectives found large quantities of fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, tramadol, xylazine, cocaine, and marijuana. In a post-arrest interview, Morrison admitted to crushing fentanyl pills and delivering them to Tokie instead of cocaine.

Prosecutors and Police Applauded for Their Work

Attorney General Neronha commended the work of the prosecutors and law enforcement. “Though nothing can bring Tokie back to her family, I am grateful that this defendant will pay for his crimes with this significant sentence,” he said. The case was led by Assistant Attorney General John Perrotta, Special Assistant Attorney General Alison Bittl, and former Pawtucket Detective Scott Sullivan.