Man Sentenced to 3 Days in Jail After Plea Deal in Fatal Austin Overdose Case

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A man initially accused of supplying cocaine that led to a fatal overdose in north Austin has accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to just three days in the Travis County Jail, according to court records. Henry Carter, 38, pleaded guilty on January 21 to attempted possession of a controlled substance under one gram, a Class A misdemeanor, in Travis County District Court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting overdose-related deaths, as well as the complexities around addiction, drug policy, and the criminal justice system's approach to these issues. The lenient sentence has raised concerns about accountability and whether it adequately addresses the gravity of the situation.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, Carter was originally charged with a second-degree felony for manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance causing death or serious bodily injury in connection with a May 6, 2024 overdose at an apartment on N. Mopac Expressway. Investigators alleged that text messages recovered from the victim's phone showed communications with a contact saved as 'Dre', later identified as Carter, discussing the purchase and delivery of cocaine in the days and hours before the overdose. Despite the initial felony allegation, the case was ultimately resolved with a misdemeanor conviction for attempted possession.

• On May 6, 2024, Austin police responded to an apartment complex around 2 a.m. and found a 32-year-old man unresponsive.
• On February 4, 2025, APD arrested Carter, alleging he delivered cocaine to the man on May 5, 2024, hours before the fatal overdose.
• On January 21, 2026, Carter pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a controlled substance under one gram, a Class A misdemeanor.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.