Man pleads guilty to selling fentanyl pills that killed two teens in Belmont

Sage Wright apologized to the victims' families in court as he was sentenced to 20-27 years in prison.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:31pm

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A 21-year-old man named Sage Wright pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys, 16-year-old Nicholas Collins and 17-year-old Clint Herd, Jr., in Belmont, North Carolina in January 2023. Wright apologized to the victims' families in court and admitted that after the teens' deaths, he obtained more of the deadly pills.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the devastating impact of fentanyl-related overdoses, especially among young people. It also raises questions about drug enforcement, addiction treatment, and the need for greater education and awareness around the dangers of counterfeit pills.

The details

In January 2023, the two teenage victims arranged to buy pills from Wright. Later that night, one of the victims' fathers found the boys dead of a fentanyl overdose. An investigation led police to arrest Wright, who admitted that after the deaths, he obtained more of the deadly pills. Wright pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a minimum of 20-27 years in prison.

  • In January 2023, the two teenage victims arranged to buy pills from Wright.
  • Later that night, one of the victims' fathers found the boys dead of a fentanyl overdose.
  • An investigation led police to arrest Wright in 2023 when he was 21 years old.
  • Wright pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2026.

The players

Sage Wright

A 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys.

Nicholas Collins

A 16-year-old victim who died from a fentanyl overdose after buying pills from Wright.

Clint Herd, Jr.

A 17-year-old victim who died from a fentanyl overdose after buying pills from Wright.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sorry. That's all I can say.”

— Sage Wright

“My bad decisions are responsible.”

— Sage Wright

“This is not a pain that fades with time. It is one that must be carried for the rest of my life.”

— Alesha Collins, Nicholas Collins' mother

“We live the rest of our lives with a hole that will never close.”

— Logan Hardin, Clint Herd, Jr.'s sister

“I forgive you, but unfortunately I will never be able to forget.”

— Kaitlyn Barret, Clint Herd, Jr.'s sister

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Sage Wright out on bail pending his sentencing.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and the urgent need for greater education, addiction treatment, and enforcement to prevent future overdose deaths, especially among young people.