Cassidy Gonzalez Found Guilty in Fentanyl Murder Trial

Published on March 26, 2025

In a landmark decision for Fresno County, a jury has convicted Cassidy Marie Gonzalez (24, of Fresno) of second-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose death of 41-year-old Jade Dreith. The verdict, delivered on March 26, 2025, marks the first-ever guilty verdict by a jury in a fentanyl-related homicide trial in Fresno County.

“Today, our office has delivered justice for Jade’s family by securing the first-ever jury conviction in a fentanyl murder trial in Fresno County,” said District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “This verdict is a testament to our steadfast commitment to protecting our communities, seeking justice for victims, and holding accountable those who distribute illicit fentanyl that leads to death.”

Since 2021, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has been leading the way in the fight against fentanyl. From community outreach, and speaking to thousands of students each year, to collaborating with our legislators on crucial policy changes, and aggressively holding those accountable who continue to sell this poison, our office remains committed to doing our part to combat this epidemic.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is more than 50 times stronger than heroin, and 100 times stronger than morphine. Its high potency and unpredictable doses greatly increase the risk of overdose or death.

Gonzalez remains in custody at the Fresno County Jail. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9 a.m. Second-degree murder carries a potential sentence of 15 years to life.

The case was successfully prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Kendall T. Reynolds of our Homicide Unit and investigated by Commander Michael Johns of our Major Crimes Unit.

District Attorney Smittcamp would like to thank Senior DDA Kendall Reynolds and Commander Michael Johns for their unwavering dedication to this case, and their commitment to preventing any more deaths caused by the sale and distribution of this poison.

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