Roseville Woman is Facing Third-Degree Murder Charges Following Fatal Fentanyl Overdose in Inver Grove Heights
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA – A 32-year-old Roseville woman is facing third-degree murder charges in connection with the fatal fentanyl overdose of a 53-year-old woman last October in Inver Grove Heights. According to a criminal complaint filed June 27, 2025, by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Lauren Marie Lambert is accused of unlawfully distributing a controlled substance that led to the death of Ellen Moore Murphy.
The criminal complaint states that authorities were first called to Murphy’s residence on the evening of October 10, 2024, after a man identified as “Witness 1,” Murphy’s longtime partner, found her deceased in the living room. Police arriving at the scene reported a strong odor of decomposition and found Murphy face-down on a coffee table, showing signs of advanced decay. Drug paraphernalia was found nearby.
Following an autopsy by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, Murphy’s cause of death was determined to be acute fentanyl intoxication, with a liver tissue concentration of 410 ng/g — a level consistent with fatal overdoses. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
The complaint states that during the investigation, law enforcement recovered several items from the scene, including a baggie containing white powder that later tested positive for fentanyl. Officers also seized multiple electronic devices from Murphy’s home, which provided critical digital evidence in the case. Investigators found text messages between Murphy and Lambert dated October 5, 2024, the night Murphy is believed to have obtained the drugs. According to GPS and message data, Murphy traveled from her home in Inver Grove Heights to Lambert’s residence in Roseville and back that evening. The last outgoing message from Murphy’s phone was sent at 8:56 p.m.
During a later interview with police, Lambert admitted that Murphy had come to her residence on October 5 and that she had provided Murphy with between 0.2 to 0.5 grams of fentanyl, which she described as “pure fetty.” Lambert claimed she did not personally use fentanyl, stating she gave it to Murphy in exchange for items for her daughter. Lambert also alleged that she originally obtained the fentanyl from Witness 1.
In February 2025, police executed a search warrant at Lambert’s Roseville residence. Officers attempted to stop Lambert as she left the residence in a vehicle with an unidentified male. During a brief pursuit, a backpack later found to contain controlled substances was thrown from the vehicle. The pursuit was called off due to Lambert’s reckless driving. Police later recovered drugs and paraphernalia from her home and collected additional digital evidence and DNA samples.
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has charged Lambert with Murder in the Third Degree – Distribution of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, a felony offense punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a $40,000 fine. Prosecutors had requested a nationwide arrest warrant for her. She was arrested in Inver Grove Heights just three days after the warrant was issued. Prosecutors are asking that bail be set at $300,000 without conditions, or $250,000 with conditions including GPS monitoring, chemical testing, and restrictions on travel and drug use. Officials cite the need for bail to protect public safety, noting Lambert’s admission of drug distribution and the fatal consequences of her actions. She is expected to make her first court appearance in the coming days.
Lambert is scheduled to appear in court today in Hastings, Minnesota, for her first appearance. She is currently being held at the Dakota County Jail.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
