The charge is the result of a state law that allows suspects to be charged with murder for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl that results in death.
HUTTO, Texas — A woman has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fentanyl-related death in Hutto last October.
According to an affidavit obtained by KVUE, law enforcement officers responded to a call of a possible overdose on Morningside Circle on Oct. 6, 2024. A man was found dead inside his bedroom, and investigators found a baggie containing a small, white, rock-like substance beside his body. The substance later tested positive for fentanyl.
An investigation of the man’s phone revealed texts going back to early September and ending on Oct. 5 between the victim and Crystal Perez. The affidavit states that the texts detailed negotiations and arrangements for purchasing fentanyl, including price discussions and delivery logistics near Perez’s home on Creston Street.
The affidavit states that CashApp and Uber records corroborated the text exchanges, including showing that the victim traveled from his home to the area near Perez’s home multiple times on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5.
The affidavit also states that based on the information gathered, Perez was the only person communicating with the victim about the sale of fentanyl in the days leading up to his death.
Law enforcement’s attempts to contact Perez at her residence were unsuccessful, according to the affidavit, but a detective was eventually able to speak to her on the phone. Perez allegedly initially denied she knew the victim, then later admitted to texting him but denied selling him drugs.
Perez was booked into the Williamson County Jail on June 25. She remains there on a $1 million bond.
A state law passed in 2023 that allows suspects to be charged with murder for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl that results in death.