Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 30 Years for Teen's Overdose Death

First-of-its-kind murder conviction in Williamson County targets deadly drug trade.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Jonestown man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after a jury convicted him of murder in the fentanyl overdose death of a 16-year-old Leander boy. Kreli Terry Haynes, 23, was found guilty of providing the counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl that killed Zarek McMeekin in December 2023. Prosecutors said Haynes continued selling narcotics and firearms even after McMeekin's death.

Why it matters

This case marks the first fentanyl-related murder conviction in Williamson County, demonstrating a new legal strategy to hold dealers accountable for overdose deaths. It also highlights the growing threat of the fentanyl crisis, which has devastated communities across Texas and the nation.

The details

Police responded to a Leander home on Dec. 16, 2023 after McMeekin's mother found him unresponsive in his bed. Investigators recovered fentanyl residue behind the teen's headboard and traced the sale of the counterfeit 'M30' pills through digital forensics to Haynes, who operated an online drug and firearms business. Evidence showed McMeekin had previously overdosed and asked Haynes if the pills contained fentanyl, but Haynes completed the sale anyway.

  • On December 16, 2023, police responded to the Leander home where McMeekin was found unresponsive.
  • In December 2023, McMeekin died after taking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl.
  • On April 17, 2026, Judge Donna King sentenced Haynes to 30 years in prison.

The players

Kreli Terry Haynes

A 23-year-old Jonestown man convicted of murder in the fentanyl overdose death of a 16-year-old Leander boy.

Zarek McMeekin

A 16-year-old Leander boy who died after taking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl.

Judge Donna King

The Williamson County judge who sentenced Haynes to 30 years in prison.

Shawn Dick

The Williamson County District Attorney who said the sentence sends a clear message that drug dealers will be held accountable.

Texas Against Fentanyl

An advocacy group that supported McMeekin's family throughout the trial.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who profit from selling poison in our community will be held accountable.”

— Shawn Dick, Williamson County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge's 30-year sentence for Haynes is believed to be the first fentanyl-related murder conviction in Williamson County, setting a precedent that could impact future prosecutions of drug dealers linked to overdose deaths.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of the fentanyl crisis and the legal strategies being employed to hold dealers accountable for the devastating impact of their actions. It also underscores the need for continued education, prevention, and support for families impacted by the opioid epidemic.