Texas passed a law just a month before Fortin’s death in 2023, making it a crime to supply or distribute drugs that lead to a person’s death. Prosecutors said proving fentanyl murder charges is challenging, but in this case, strong evidence led to Smith’s conviction.

A woman has been charged in a 2021 home invasion that left a couple and their 6-year-old child shot to death, and a 10-year-old girl injured, according to records.