California DOJ High Impact Investigation Team assisted with investigation

“Investigating fentanyl overdose deaths and holding those accountable is a step toward protecting families and our communities that suffer greatly as a result of these overdose deaths.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

FRESNO COUNTY – On January 30, 2026, Cassidy Marie Gonzalez, 25, of Fresno was sentenced in Fresno County Superior Court to 15 years to life in state prison for second-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose death of 41-year-old Jade Dreith. In addition, Gonzalez received a consecutive determinate of four years and four months for separate felony narcotics sales convictions.

This case marks a historic milestone as Fresno County’s first fentanyl-related homicide case to result in a jury conviction and sentencing.

Evidence presented at trial established that Gonzalez knowingly sold fentanyl, which directly resulted in Dreith’s fatal overdose. Prosecutors demonstrated that Gonzalez was aware of the extreme dangers associated with fentanyl yet continued to distribute the deadly drug.

During the investigation, evidence showed that after Dreith’s death, Gonzalez continued to sell counterfeit prescription M-30s containing fentanyl. This pattern of conduct showed a continued conscious disregard for the safety of the public.

The jury found that Gonzalez acted with conscious disregard for human life, meeting the legal standard for second-degree murder under California law.

Because Gonzalez was under the age of 25 at the time of the offense, she will be eligible for a Youthful Offender Parole hearing pursuant to California Penal Code § 3051, which allows qualifying individuals to receive a parole hearing after serving a specified portion of their sentence. Eligibility for a parole hearing does not guarantee release.

“This sentencing reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and the devastating and deadly consequences of distributing fentanyl,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “Fentanyl continues to claim lives in our community, and when someone knowingly sells this poison and a life is lost, we will pursue maximum accountability under the law.”

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office extended its gratitude to the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Justice High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT) for their investigative assistance and commitment to this case.