Fort Worth, Texas – A man has been charged with murder in connection to the fentanyl-related death of a young man in Fort Worth. The arrest of 21-year-old Ramiro Limon comes following the passage of HB 6 in Texas during May 2023, allowing for such charges in cases involving fentanyl overdoses.
The tragic loss of Matthew Teran has left his parents grieving and speaking out about the devastating impact of the opioid crisis. Mayra Uribe, Matthew’s mother, recalled the heartbreaking moment when she found her son unresponsive on the morning of Nov. 6, 2023. Despite efforts to revive him, Matthew, who was only 21 years old, did not survive the fentanyl overdose.
In response to the arrest of Limon, Uribe expressed support for cracking down on those involved in supplying lethal substances like fentanyl. She emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially in cases where lives are lost due to the distribution of dangerous drugs.
According to Fort Worth Police, Limon was charged under the new fentanyl murder statute, which was established by House Bill 6 to address the rising number of fentanyl-related deaths in the state. The legislation now mandates that deaths caused by fentanyl must be documented as ‘fentanyl toxicity’ or ‘fentanyl poisoning’ on death certificates.
Both of Matthew’s parents highlighted his compassionate nature and his commitment to sobriety before the tragic events that led to his untimely death. They fondly remembered him for the positive impact he had on those around him and advocated for justice in his case.
The Fort Worth Police have forwarded the investigation to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office for further legal proceedings. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that continues to pose a significant threat to public health and safety in communities across the country.
Fentanyl, which is known to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, remains a leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States. The drug’s availability and potency have contributed to a concerning trend of overdose fatalities, particularly among young adults and individuals battling substance abuse issues.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, have issued warnings about the emergence of brightly colored fentanyl variants, such as “rainbow fentanyl,” which are designed to appeal to younger demographics. Despite efforts to combat the trafficking of these dangerous substances, the DEA emphasizes the need for vigilance and caution when encountering any form of fentanyl.