In Denton, Texas, an 18-year-old man is now facing murder charges following the fentanyl overdose death of a 17-year-old. Denton police responded to an overdose call on September 25 in the 7500 block of Barrymore Road where they discovered Ryan Erwin unconscious, later pronounced dead at the hospital due to combined fentanyl and diphenhydramine toxicity, as reported by CBS News Texas.
Evidence pointed to Zakkary McReynolds as the supplier of the fentanyl that led to Erwin's death. McReynolds was subsequently apprehended on a Tuesday by local authorities, as well as the US Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. He is now behind bars at the City of Denton Jail, with bail not yet set. This case marks the third instance since a new Texas law, which went into effect on September 1, 2023, and enables prosecutors to charge drug dealers with murder if the substances they provide result in death, has been applied, according to FOX 4 News.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner confirmed that the deadly mix Erwin consumed contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine. The enhanced law serves as a stern warning to illicit suppliers in a state grappling with a surge in fentanyl-related fatalities.
