Man charged with murder in connection with fentanyl-related death in Williamson County

Taylor Girtman
·1 min read

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man was arrested Friday in connection with a September 2023 fentanyl-related death in Williamson County.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said Marek Dillard was arrested Friday for murder.

On Sept. 21, the sheriff’s office responded to Snelling Drive in Leander for an alleged overdose death, according to WCSO. The organized crime unit found a 40-year-old man dead and pills containing fentanyl at the scene.

The WCSO said an investigation linked Dillard to the sale of the pills.

Dillard was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, according to WCSO.

Dillard did not have an attorney listed online. He remains in the Williamson County jail as of Saturday morning.

Fentanyl-related death bill

In 2023, Texas lawmakers passed a bill that allowed prosecutors to seek a murder charge in connection to fentanyl-related deaths. The bill also increased criminal penalties for selling and distributing fentanyl.

The bill went into effect Sept. 1, 2023.

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