David Simon, creator of the TV show The Wire, has written a letter to a Manhattan judge requesting leniency for a man charged in the death of actor Michael K. Williams. Williams, who played Omar Little on The Wire, died from a fentanyl-laced heroin overdose in September 2021. Four individuals, including Carlos Macci, have been charged in connection with Williams' death. According to court documents, Macci and the others continued selling drugs even after learning of Williams' demise. All four men have pleaded guilty, and Macci is facing sentencing later this month. Macci's lawyer is asking for a sentence of time served, while the court's probation office recommended 10 years in prison.

Simon argues that Williams holds more responsibility for his death and that incarcerating a 71-year-old man struggling with addiction would not bring any good. Simon explains that Williams openly shared his addiction struggles and took responsibility for his actions. He describes Macci as a man caught up in addiction rather than someone selling drugs for profit. Simon concludes his letter by stating that Williams would view Macci's desolate life with certainty and emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in the justice system.