BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Following five fatal heroin overdoses within the past few days in Butler County, police have arrested two suspected drug dealers.
Elizabeth Arblaster, 24, was one of the five victims. Her sister and best friend, who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation from drug dealers, spoke with Channel 11 News Tuesday night. The women urged anyone struggling with addiction to seek help before it’s too late.
“Please, please think about what you're doing to yourself. But not just yourself, but your mom, your siblings, your family because it doesn't just end your life. You take away so much and you are loved,” Arblaster’s sister said.
Following last week’s overdoses, Channel 11 News found a petition for a federal warrant for Michael Burrows as well as a criminal complaint. Both documents showed that Burrows was found with numerous bags of heroin labeled “The King” in a Butler apartment.
The state criminal complaint said the bags were identical to the bags found near Arblaster's body.
Burrows, who was already on probation from federal drug charges, and Eugene Smith were arrested after the drugs were found.
Arblaster's sister said that while the pain is still raw, she just wants justice for her sister, who she wishes would have reached out for help.
“If Lizzy would've called me, I would've been there in a heartbeat,” she said.
Burrows and Smith each face possession charges. The district attorney could not comment anymore on the case or say whether more charges would be filed because he said the investigation is ongoing.