EXCLUSIVE REACTION: Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp joined Broeske & Musson on Thursday, following the guilty verdict.
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — 24-year-old Cassidy Gonzalez has been found guilty of second-degree murder in Fresno County’s first-ever fentanyl murder case.
The verdict was given unanimously in the courtroom Wednesday morning.
“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.”
-DA Lisa Smittcamp
KMJ’s News Partner ABC30 Action News was present for the verdict, where Gonzalez was visibly shaking and crying.
Gonzalez was found guilty of the death of 41-year-old Jade Dreith in 2022 after selling her a deadly dose of fentanyl.
“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.
Gonzalez also had previous drug convictions leading up to the trial.
The defense rested in the trial after just four minutes and 41 seconds, with only one witness called to the stand.
Gonzalez now faces up to life in prison. She remains in the Fresno County Jail. Her sentencing takes place at 9:00 am on April 24th, 2025.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
