Woman sentenced in Fresno County's first fentanyl murder case

Cassidy Gonzalez received 15 years to life for the second-degree murder of Jade Dreith, who died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cassidy Gonzalez, 25, was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the second-degree murder of 41-year-old Jade Dreith, who died from a fentanyl overdose in January 2022. This was Fresno County's first murder conviction from a fentanyl overdose. Prosecutors said Gonzalez knew the dangers of the fentanyl pills she sold to Dreith, resulting in her death. Gonzalez's family argued she didn't mean for Dreith to die, but investigators found Gonzalez continued to sell the deadly counterfeit prescription pills even after Dreith's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing opioid crisis and the deadly consequences of fentanyl-laced drugs. It also raises questions about accountability for drug dealers whose actions lead to fatal overdoses. As fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise nationwide, this conviction could set a precedent for future prosecutions of drug-induced homicides.

The details

Gonzalez was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. She was also sentenced to an additional 4 years and 4 months for additional fentanyl sales, which she must serve before her murder sentence begins. The judge told Gonzalez's family that under California law, she is considered a murderer for her role in Dreith's death.

  • Jade Dreith died from a fentanyl overdose in January 2022.
  • Cassidy Gonzalez was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025.
  • Gonzalez was sentenced on January 31, 2026.

The players

Cassidy Gonzalez

A 25-year-old woman convicted of second-degree murder for selling fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in the death of Jade Dreith.

Jade Dreith

A 41-year-old woman who died from a fentanyl overdose after purchasing pills from Cassidy Gonzalez.

Sage Dreith

Jade Dreith's sister, who addressed the court and defendant during the sentencing hearing.

Kylee Robinson

Jade Dreith's sister, who came to court for the first time since Jade's death to confront Gonzalez.

Hon. Alvin M. Harrell III

The judge who sentenced Cassidy Gonzalez to 15 years to life in prison for second-degree murder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cassidy, you're not tragic, you're not complex, and you're not misunderstood. You're a murderer.”

— Sage Dreith, Jade Dreith's sister

“I hope the consequences are the worst. I forgive you, and I hope you suffer for what you have caused this family.”

— Kylee Robinson, Jade Dreith's sister

“To Jade's beautiful family, I'm so sorry for what you have been going through and the pain, the pain that I caused you.”

— Cassidy Gonzalez

“She's not a murderer; she would not purposely hurt anybody. She would not purposely do that. She did not purposely give jade a pill to kill her. That was never her intent.”

— Gonzalez's mother

“So, technically, under California law...”

— Hon. Alvin M. Harrell III, Judge

What’s next

The judge's sentence of 15 years to life in prison for Cassidy Gonzalez will now go into effect, and she will serve her time in state prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the devastating human toll of the opioid crisis and the need for stronger accountability for drug dealers whose actions lead to fatal overdoses. It also highlights the complex legal and moral questions surrounding drug-induced homicide prosecutions, which aim to hold dealers responsible but may face challenges in court.