Prior Lake Man Charged with Third-Degree Murder in Lakeville Fentanyl Overdose Death
Published: June 22nd, 2026
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA: A Prior Lake man is now facing a felony third-degree murder charge nearly two years after a 34-year-old Lakeville woman died from a fatal fentanyl overdose, according to charges filed in Dakota County District Court. Prosecutors have charged Scott Nicolas Erbes, 55, of Prior Lake, with one count of third-degree murder for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to the death of Laura Mae Nichols, 34, of Lakeville.
According to the criminal complaint, the charge stems from an investigation into Nichols' death on July 3, 2024, at an apartment in the 16900 block of Garcia Way in Lakeville.
Woman Found Unresponsive by Neighbor
Lakeville police officers were dispatched to the apartment at approximately 8:53 a.m. on July 3, 2024, after a report of an unresponsive woman who was not breathing. Officers arrived and found Nichols deceased in a bedroom.
According to investigators, Nichols had spent the previous evening with neighbors and their families before returning to her apartment sometime between 9 and 10 p.m. A neighbor later told police that his daughter had spent the night at Nichols' apartment.
The following morning, the child attempted to wake Nichols but was unable to. After being alerted by his daughter, the neighbor entered the apartment and discovered Nichols unresponsive.
Medical Examiner Determined Death Was Caused by Drug Toxicity
An autopsy conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner determined Nichols' death was accidental.
The official cause of death was listed as:
"Positional asphyxia complicating mixed drug toxicity (amphetamine, clonazepam, and fentanyl)."
Investigators recovered several items from the bedroom, including a straw containing residue and a piece of foil found in Nichols' hand. Testing conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension determined that both items contained fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. Police also seized a cellphone found near Nichols' body.
Investigators Uncovered Messages with Suspected Drug Supplier
A forensic review of Nichols' cellphone revealed numerous communications with a contact identified as "Scott." According to the complaint, investigators discovered a Snapchat conversation between Nichols' account, "lauramae8629," and another account identified as "scottyerbes."
The conversation, which occurred on July 2, 2024, showed Erbes arranging to visit Nichols at her apartment.
During the exchange, Nichols allegedly asked Erbes:
"Can I hit a foil maybe?"
Investigators say Erbes responded:
"Oh Probably if I can get a hug .."
The complaint states that the two continued to communicate and arranged for Erbes to come to Nichols' residence later that evening. Snapchat records indicated Erbes arrived at approximately 9:25 p.m.
Hours later, shortly after 1 a.m. on July 3, Nichols sent another message stating:
"Sorry I fell asleep I obviously needed it."
Erbes allegedly replied:
"I gave you the pillow I stayed until I knew you would be ok I held you until you slipped off me to the floor..."
When Nichols later asked about the foil, Erbes allegedly responded:
"Foil is on top of dresser in basket."
Cellphone Data Placed Erbes Near Apartment
Investigators identified the cellphone number associated with the contact "Scott" as belonging to Erbes. According to the complaint, search warrant data obtained from AT&T showed Erbes' cellphone was located near Nichols' apartment between approximately 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on July 2, 2024.
The location data corroborated information recovered from the Snapchat messages, investigators said.
Search Warrant Executed at Prior Lake Residence
On August 1, 2024, members of the Dakota County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Erbes' residence in Prior Lake.
During the search, agents reportedly recovered suspected controlled substances and multiple cellphones.
Investigators later analyzed one of the seized devices and found Snapchat messages matching those recovered from Nichols' cellphone.
Erbes Denied Supplying Fentanyl
According to the complaint, detectives interviewed Erbes on two separate occasions. Erbes allegedly told investigators that Nichols had contacted him seeking drugs, but he claimed he was sober and unable to obtain narcotics. He acknowledged visiting Nichols at her apartment on the night of July 2, 2024, and stated he believed she was already intoxicated when he arrived.
Erbes admitted seeing Nichols smoking from a piece of foil but claimed he attempted to take it away from her and throw it out. He told investigators Nichols recovered the foil and kept it. He denied bringing fentanyl or any drugs to the apartment.
However, investigators noted that Erbes acknowledged exchanging Snapchat messages with Nichols before and after his visit and admitted that he was the only person present with Nichols that evening.
Prosecutors Seek Significant Bail
Court records indicate prosecutors requested a complaint warrant for Erbes and argued that bail conditions were necessary because the investigation suggested he was involved in drug distribution.
According to court documents, prosecutors requested that bail be set at:
$300,000 without conditions, or
$250,000 with conditions.
The criminal complaint states investigators concluded Erbes provided fentanyl to Nichols and that the fentanyl proximately caused her death. If convicted of third-degree murder involving the distribution of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, Erbes faces a felony penalty of up to 25 years in prison and substantial fines under Minnesota law.
A criminal complaint contains only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Pictured: Scott Nicolas Erbes. Provided by Dakota County Jail.
