Fresno Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl Murder, a First for County

Cassidy Marie Gonzalez received 19 years in prison for providing counterfeit fentanyl pills that killed Jade Dreith in 2022.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:15pm

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A 25-year-old Fresno woman, Cassidy Marie Gonzalez, was sentenced to 19 years and 4 months in state prison for second-degree murder after being convicted of providing counterfeit fentanyl pills that led to the overdose death of 41-year-old Jade Dreith in 2022. This was the first fentanyl-related homicide conviction in Fresno County.

Why it matters

Fentanyl overdoses have become a major public health crisis across California, with prosecutors increasingly pursuing murder charges against dealers whose drugs lead to fatal overdoses. This case sets a precedent in Fresno County and highlights the growing legal consequences for those who knowingly distribute deadly fentanyl.

The details

Evidence showed that Gonzalez sold counterfeit 'blue M-30' pills containing fentanyl to Dreith, leading to her overdose and death. Even after Dreith's death, Gonzalez continued selling the dangerous fentanyl-laced pills. The jury found Gonzalez 'acted with conscious disregard for human life,' meeting the legal standard for second-degree murder.

  • In 2022, Jade Dreith died from a fentanyl overdose after receiving counterfeit pills from Cassidy Marie Gonzalez.
  • In March 2023, Gonzalez was found guilty of second-degree murder.
  • On January 31, 2026, Gonzalez was sentenced to 19 years and 4 months in state prison.

The players

Cassidy Marie Gonzalez

A 25-year-old woman from Fresno who was convicted of second-degree murder for providing counterfeit fentanyl pills that led to the overdose death of Jade Dreith.

Jade Dreith

A 41-year-old Fresno resident who died from a fentanyl overdose after receiving counterfeit pills from Cassidy Marie Gonzalez.

Sage Dreith

Jade Dreith's sister, who spoke out about the tragedy of her sister's death.

Lisa Smittcamp

The Fresno County District Attorney who prosecuted the case and emphasized the seriousness of fentanyl distribution.

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What they’re saying

“No one deserves to die because of this. She didn't know she was going to die, she didn't plan to kill herself or do anything like that. She was folding laundry, eating a snack and playing with her dog and she fell asleep and never woke up.”

— Sage Dreith, Jade Dreith's sister (Los Angeles Times)

“This sentencing reflects the seriousness of the defendant's actions and the devastating and deadly consequences of distributing fentanyl. 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.”

— Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney (Los Angeles Times)

“This is murder without using a weapon. These people know this pill can kill people.”

— Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Because of her age at the time of the crime, Cassidy Marie Gonzalez will be eligible for Youthful Offender Parole after serving part of her sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal consequences for fentanyl dealers whose drugs lead to fatal overdoses, as prosecutors across California increasingly pursue murder charges in these types of cases. It serves as a warning to those who knowingly distribute this deadly substance.