Teen drug dealer accused of murder after 12-year-old dies from fentanyl overdose: report

A 12-year-old California girl died from a fentanyl overdose in 2020. Now, officials say the 16-year-old drug dealer that sold the pill to her has been charged with murder.

On Nov. 14, 2020, the victim was with two other teens when she contacted the suspect and bought a “M-30” pill, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office said.

Officials said the group recorded her on video lining up the crushed pill for ingestion.

After snorting the fentanyl, the girl passed out and began snoring. According to authorities, that is a sign of a fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is often mixed with other drugs to enhance the effects. But, a small amount can be deadly.

Later, the group brought the 12-year-old to the Regional Medical Center in San Jose, where she was declared dead, according to authorities. She became the youngest person to fatally overdose in Santa Clara County in 2020.

On Jan. 25, officials said the San Jose Police Department arrested the 16-year-old. The suspect had screenshots of public service warnings about fentanyl overdoses in his Google Photos account, which predated the girl’s death.

The name of the teen arrested has not been released.

“After thousands of deaths, everyone should know that fentanyl is a deadly poison," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. "Thanks to the San Jose Police Department, the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team, and our investigators, this child’s tragically short life may help save others.”