Shores Man Pleads Guilty In Fatal Drug Case

A St. Clair Shores man pleaded guilty Tuesday in Macomb Circuit Court to supplying a lethal dose of heroin to his estranged wife.

Nicholas Barczi, 30, is one of the first people to be charged in Macomb County with delivery of a controlled substance causing death, a life felony, for the overdose of Nicole Waines, 25.

She died nearly one year ago in Barczi’s apartment after she took heroin Barczi purchased in Detroit.

"I don't want this to happen to another innocent girl," said Rose Streetman, Waines' mother, who agreed to the plea. "I did it for my family, friends and my grandson."

The trial for Barczi was set to begin Tuesday before Macomb Circuit Court Judge Matthew Switalski when the plea was reached between the Macomb County Prosecutors Office, defense attorney Steven Freers and Waines' family.

As part of the plea, Barczi will serve no less than five years in prison, with a maximum. He also pleaded guilty to a probation violation for a separate drug charge and will be sentenced in both cases on Aug. 15. 

He will remain in the Macomb County Jail prior to sentencing. 

Barczi, who wore street clothes into court, said very little during the proceedings.

When asked by Switalski if they used heroin together and if the delivery of heroin cause Waines death, he responded with a simple "yes."

"I have a sigh of relief that he said guilty," Streetman said.