Jury to deliberate Fresno's first fentanyl murder case

A jury is about to start deliberating in Fresno County's first fentanyl murder case involving Cassidy Gonzalez. Attorneys made their final arguments on Monday. Prosecutor Kendall Reynolds argued that Gonzalez knew the risks of fentanyl when she allegedly sold a lethal dose to Jade Dreith in 2022. He described the case as mostly built on circumstantial evidence and asked the jury if they believed Gonzalez committed murder. Gonzalez is pleading not guilty. Her defense attorney, Greg Gross, countered that the prosecution had not proven her guilt. He emphasized that Gonzalez is not the drug itself, insisting that the government must demonstrate her responsibility for Dreith's death. The jury, comprised of seven men and eight women, has listened to the evidence carefully over several days. They will return on Tuesday to begin their deliberations, which must be unanimous. If convicted, Cassidy Gonzalez could face a sentence of up to life in prison.