Merced County DA files murder charges against San Jose man in 3 fentanyl deaths
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Merced DA charged Claudillo for allegedly dealing fentanyl that caused three deaths.
- The March 16 overdoses were investigated by Los Banos PD and MAGNET.
- Narcan is available from Central California Alliance for Health at Merced County office.
The Merced County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against San Jose resident Raymond Jose Claudillo, who is accused of dealing the fentanyl that caused three fatal overdoses in Los Banos.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, like morphine or heroin. Although it is used in medical settings, the National Institute of Health warns that “most of the fentanyl contributing to the current overdose crisis is made illegally.” Additionally, fentanyl is stronger than many other opioid drugs, and even a small amount can be fatal.
The overdoses occurred March 16 and were investigated by the Los Banos Police Department and the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, according to a news release from the DA’s Office.
Claudillo’s arraignment had been scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Merced Superior Court but was continued to May 29 in Los Banos court.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, “The case underscores a clear message that those who knowingly distribute fentanyl causing death will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The District Attorney’s Office, together with law enforcement partners, is prioritizing efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute those who traffic fentanyl.”
Narcan, a lifesaving, FDA-approved medication used to reverse the effects of overdoses from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and morphine is available through the Central California Alliance for Health’s Merced County office, 530 W. 16th St., Suite B, Merced.
