SMITH COUNTY, Texas — The Smith County Sheriff's Office revealed Thursday they had arrested a man for murder after a victim reportedly overdosed on fentanyl.
According to the SCSO, investigators responded to Christus Mother Frances ER in Tyler regarding a drug overdose. Upon their arrival, they found the victim, 23-year-old Cory Darell Long, had died from a suspected Fentanyl overdose.
Investigators went to a residence on Byrd Lane, where the overdose allegedly took place, a recovered "M-30" pills, commonly referred to as "percs," which are known to contain fentanyl, SCSO said. Further testing at the Texas DPS Crime Lab showed a positive test for fentanyl.
PHOTOS: Smith County officials arrest man for murder after victim overdoses on fentanyl
Investigators were able to identify a suspect, Nadarius Tyreque Houston, 24, of Tyler. An arrest warrant was issued for Houston and served on April 25, 2024. Investigators found Houston in possession of a firearm, and he was charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance as well as felon in possession of a firearm.
An autopsy conducted in Dallas later confirmed the victim died from fentanyl poisoning. On Tuesday, an additional warrant was issued for Houston's arrest for murder while he was in Smith County Jail on previous charges. He is held on a $500,000 bond.
The DEA reports "fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic."
"Overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death," the DEA said. "The presence of a triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression strongly suggests opioid intoxication."