Vicente David Romero, 34, has been convicted of second-degree murder related to the 2020 fentanyl overdose of Kelsey King, 26, in Temecula. This marks the first such conviction in California’s history. Evidence presented during the five-day trial included testimony from ten witnesses and body-worn camera footage showing Romero admitting to sharing a fentanyl-laced pill, known as ‘blue’ or ‘M30’, with King.
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin stated this verdict signifies the state’s commitment to justice for victims and accountability for those involved in distributing lethal fentanyl.
Currently detained at the Southwest Detention Center, Romero also pleaded guilty to five more charges, including drug possession while armed and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6. Romero could face 15 years to life for the murder charge and up to an additional six years and eight months for the other charges.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is significantly more potent than heroin and morphine and is commonly mixed with other illicit drugs.
