GAYLORD — A third-degree murder charge was filed in Sibley County District Court Wednesday against a 44-year-old Belle Plane woman accused of selling cocaine that took the life of a 33-year-old Gaylord man last fall.

Michelle Rose Trost was arrested Tuesday and transported to the Sibley County Jail. She was granted a public defender. Unconditional bail or bond was set at $500,000; $100,000 with conditions, $10,000 cash bail with conditions was set Thursday. A court appearance was set for 9 a.m. June 26.

According to court documents, Gaylord Police officer Alex Schmidt responded to 119 Main Avenue, Gaylord, Nov. 2, 2024 for a report of a deceased individual. Joshua Thomas Adams was found dead in his residence earlier by friends and last seen Oct. 29.

In the residence, officer Schmidt said Adams appeared to have been dead for several days. He found a baggie containing a substance that tested positive for cocaine and two rolled-up dollar bills.

An autopsy performed by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office determined Adams’ cause of death was cocaine toxicity.

A forensic analysis of Adams’ phone included messages between he and Trost.

On Sept. 30, Adams introduced himself to Trost and asked if she “had any blow.” She said she did and she could get it to him the next day.

Adams messaged Trost Oct. 1, that he’s on his way to Belle Plaine and asked if he could stop by her house. On Oct. 3, Adams asked Trost for “another 100 worth” and she told him to go her house again.

Adams asked for “100 worth” Oct. 8 and Trost told him to come to the door.

On Oct. 10, Adams asked Trost how much for “an eight.” Trost said “It’s $250 for 3.5 grams, so it’s like getting half a gram for free.”

Adams asked for a “100 bag” Oct. 20 and obtained more from Trost Oct. 21.

He asked for “another 100 worth” Oct. 23 and Oct. 28.

Adams’ phone data showed the last outgoing data was an Oct. 29 call to the Gaylord City Office to pay his utility bill. After that, there were several unanswered phone calls and messages. There was no later activity made on the phone by Adams and no other activity on his social media accounts.

Based on lack of phone and social media activity and Adams’ appearance when he was found, it is believed he died Oct. 29, less than 24 hours after buying cocaine from Trost.