Williamson County Sheriff's Office Files Murder Charge in Fentanyl Overdose Case

The Williamson County sheriff's office has charged an Austin man with murder for allegedly supplying fentanyl to a Hutto man who died of an overdose in 2023, officials announced in a news release. Additionally, the sheriff's office is investigating another suspected fentanyl overdose in Round Rock.

Tyreik Gilbert, 27, is accused of causing the death of Joseph Barrera, 26, on Sept. 7, 2023, at Barrera's home in Hutto. Gilbert was charged with murder on Oct. 3.

Under Texas law, an individual can face a murder charge if they distribute or deal fentanyl resulting in someone else's death. Gilbert's charge is the eighth filed by the Williamson County sheriff's organized crime unit related to fentanyl-induced deaths since the law's enactment in September 2023.

Investigators discovered text messages on Barrera's phone arranging a fentanyl purchase from Gilbert in exchange for an iPad, according to an arrest affidavit. Gilbert's phone data placed him in the Hutto area during the drug deal. When interviewed in May, Gilbert, who was already in Milam County Jail on unrelated drug possession charges, admitted to giving fentanyl to Barrera for an iPad.

Gilbert has a criminal history including 26 drug-related offenses.

In a separate incident, the organized crime unit responded to a suspected overdose of a 31-year-old woman in the 1300 block of Amistad Drive, Round Rock, on the morning of Oct. 3. She died at the scene.

"The investigation remains ongoing, and the Sheriff's Office continues to urge the public to stay aware of the risks associated with fentanyl," the release stated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Williamson County sheriff's tip line at (512) 943-1170. For more information on combating fentanyl in Texas, visit TXAF.org.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid sometimes legally prescribed for pain management, can be deadly when used illegally due to its potency. Last year, Williamson County recorded 35 fentanyl overdose deaths out of approximately 57 suspected overdoses. As of August, 2023 saw an estimated 27 overdose deaths, including 17 involving fentanyl, reported Sgt. Heather Vargas of the sheriff's office.