Rochester Man Charged in December Fatal Overdose

Clifton Hubbert, 43, arrested and arraigned on third-degree murder charge after 3-month investigation.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:28pm

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An extreme close-up of a small plastic bag containing white powder, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash photograph of evidence seized in an overdose investigation highlights the grim realities of the opioid crisis.Rochester Today

A 43-year-old Rochester man named Clifton Hubbert has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder in relation to a December 2025 fatal overdose in the city. Police say Hubbert was the source of the drugs involved in the victim's death from acute fentanyl toxicity, and that a search of the victim's phone revealed extensive communication and financial transactions between the two.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating overdose deaths, which often require complex coordination and evidence gathering to link dealers to specific fatalities. It also underscores the devastating human toll of the fentanyl epidemic, which has ravaged communities across the country.

The details

On December 24, 2025, Rochester police conducted a welfare check at an apartment in northeast Rochester and found a man dead. Controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were found at the scene, and the medical examiner later determined the man died from acute fentanyl toxicity. After a 3-month investigation, police identified Clifton Hubbert as the source of the drugs involved. A search warrant at Hubbert's residence led to the recovery of cocaine and fentanyl, and Hubbert allegedly admitted to regularly supplying drugs to the victim. The criminal complaint states that law enforcement reviewed the victim's phone and found extensive communication and over $15,000 in financial transactions between him and Hubbert, indicating Hubbert was the only source of the drugs.

  • On December 24, 2025, officers conducted a welfare check and found the victim dead.
  • On April 1, 2026, Clifton Hubbert was arrested.
  • On April 3, 2026, Hubbert was arraigned on a charge of third-degree murder.

The players

Clifton Hubbert

A 43-year-old Rochester resident who has been charged with third-degree murder for allegedly supplying the drugs that led to a fatal overdose in December 2025.

Rochester Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrest in this case.

Olmsted County Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that is handling the criminal case against Clifton Hubbert.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Clifton Hubbert out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the opioid crisis, as they work to hold drug dealers accountable for overdose deaths in their communities. It also underscores the devastating human toll of fentanyl abuse and the critical need for expanded addiction treatment and harm reduction services.