A repeat offender from Hays County was recently found guilty of fentanyl possession with intent to deliver, resulting in a 60-year sentence. District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced Friday that 44-year-old Tony Robert Barrera III was also found guilty of felon possession of a firearm, landing him another 50 years of incarceration. Higgins also expressed her stance on punishing those in possession of the drug, promising “serious consequences” to any offenders.
In Denton, Texas, an 18-year-old man is now facing murder charges following the fentanyl overdose death of a 17-year-old. Denton police responded to an overdose call on September 25 in the 7500 block of Barrymore Road where they discovered Ryan Erwin unconscious, later pronounced dead at the hospital due to combined fentanyl and diphenhydramine toxicity, as reported by CBS News Texas. Evidence pointed to Zakkary McReynolds as the supplier of the fentanyl that led to Erwin’s death.
This case marks the third instance since a new Texas law, which went into effect on September 1, 2023, and enables prosecutors to charge drug dealers with murder if the substances they provide result in death, has been applied, according to FOX 4 News.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner confirmed that the deadly mix Erwin consumed contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine. The enhanced law serves as a stern warning to illicit suppliers in a state grappling with a surge in fentanyl-related fatalities.
“We appreciate the hard work and diligence of the jury, as well as the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Hopefully, the verdict in this case resonates with anyone dealing with narcotics, especially fentanyl, in Hays County and makes them reconsider their actions,” Assistant District Attorney Christopher Griffith said.
