WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Kevin Gonzalez-Alejo, a 20-year-old man from Hialeah, is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to the overdose death of a man in West Palm Beach. The victim, who believed he was purchasing cocaine, died from the potent drug.
On August 1, the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) responded to a reported overdose at 609 2nd Street. The victim was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital but was pronounced dead later that evening. Authorities found 18.5 grams of a white powdery substance on the victim, which was later confirmed to be fentanyl.
Investigators discovered a text message exchange between the victim and a contact named “Thumbtack,” identified as Gonzalez-Alejo. The messages revealed that Gonzalez-Alejo had sold the victim an ounce of cocaine for $1,050 on July 31. An undercover investigation was launched, with police posing as the victim to arrange another drug purchase from Gonzalez-Alejo.
On August 2, Gonzalez-Alejo was intercepted by police after attempting to flee from a drop-off point. Authorities found two bags containing fentanyl and MDMA, a drug similar to Ecstasy, in his possession. Initially arrested for drug trafficking and resisting officers, Gonzalez-Alejo was later charged with first-degree murder following the victim’s death.
Gonzalez-Alejo now faces significant charges, including first-degree murder by drug distribution, in connection to the fatal overdose.