Fresno Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl-Related Murder

Conviction marks first-ever guilty verdict by a jury in a fentanyl-related homicide trial in Fresno County.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A 25-year-old woman from Fresno, Cassidy Marie Gonzalez, was sentenced to 19 years and four months in state prison after being convicted of second-degree murder for giving fentanyl pills to 41-year-old Jade Dreith, who died in 2022. This was the first time a jury in Fresno County returned a guilty verdict in a fentanyl-related homicide trial.

Why it matters

The conviction highlights the growing problem of fentanyl-related deaths in California and the efforts by prosecutors to hold dealers accountable for overdose fatalities. While this was the first such case in Fresno County, other counties have also filed murder charges in fentanyl-related deaths, signaling a shift in how the criminal justice system is addressing the opioid crisis.

The details

Gonzalez was found guilty of second-degree murder last March for selling counterfeit fentanyl pills called 'blue M-30s' to Dreith, which led to her overdose and death. Evidence showed that Gonzalez knowingly sold fentanyl to Dreith, even continuing to sell the dangerous pills after Dreith's death. Gonzalez was also convicted of other felony drug-related charges.

  • In 2022, 41-year-old Jade Dreith died after Gonzalez sold her counterfeit fentanyl pills.
  • In March 2026, Gonzalez was found guilty of second-degree murder.
  • On January 31, 2026, Gonzalez was sentenced to 19 years and four months in state prison.

The players

Cassidy Marie Gonzalez

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

Jade Dreith

A 41-year-old woman from Fresno who died in 2022 after Gonzalez sold her counterfeit fentanyl pills.

Lisa Smittcamp

The Fresno County District Attorney who stated that the sentencing reflects the seriousness of Gonzalez's actions and the devastating consequences of distributing fentanyl.

Sage Dreith

Jade Dreith's sister, who said 'No one deserves to die because of this' and that Jade 'didn't know she was going to die'.

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What they’re saying

“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 (latimes.com)

“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 (latimes.com)

“These people know this pill can kill people.”

— Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney (latimes.com)

What’s next

Because of her age when she committed 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 crisis of fentanyl-related deaths in California and the efforts by prosecutors to hold dealers accountable for overdose fatalities, even charging them with murder. It serves as a stark warning about the deadly consequences of distributing this dangerous opioid.