Man Charged in Daughter's Overdose Death to Face Preliminary Inquiry

Paul Firlotte was charged with manslaughter after his 13-year-old daughter died from a fentanyl-related overdose in 2023.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Paul Firlotte was charged with manslaughter last year after his 13-year-old daughter Jocelynn Firlotte-Lowe died from a fentanyl-related overdose in 2023. Dates have now been set for a preliminary inquiry in the case, which will be held over a two-day period next month. A preliminary inquiry is a judicial hearing used to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and its devastating impact on families, as well as the challenges in the criminal justice system in handling such sensitive and complex cases involving the overdose deaths of minors.

The details

Police were called to a multi-unit residential building in Sault Ste. Marie on September 4, 2023 for a welfare check on Jocelynn Firlotte-Lowe, where she was found unresponsive. Paramedics confirmed she had died from a fentanyl, methamphetamine, and bromazolam overdose. Firlotte was arrested and charged with manslaughter on March 5, 2025, but has remained in custody since then as he was unable to meet the conditions for his release.

  • Jocelynn Firlotte-Lowe died on September 4, 2023.
  • Firlotte was arrested and charged with manslaughter on March 5, 2025.
  • The preliminary inquiry is scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026.

The players

Paul Firlotte

A 42-year-old man charged with manslaughter in the overdose death of his 13-year-old daughter.

Jocelynn Firlotte-Lowe

Firlotte's 13-year-old daughter who died from a fentanyl, methamphetamine, and bromazolam overdose in 2023.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

The police department that arrested Firlotte and is investigating the case.

Nicholas Xynnis

The Toronto-based criminal defense lawyer who was retained as Firlotte's legal counsel late last year.

Children's Aid Society of Algoma

One of the defendants named in a $3-million civil suit filed by the girl's family members.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The preliminary inquiry for Firlotte's manslaughter case is scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026, where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on vulnerable youth and the challenges the criminal justice system faces in holding those responsible accountable, while also ensuring due process and the presumption of innocence.