Two Odessans sentenced to 20 years for fentanyl related death of a teenager

Fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills, Photo Date: 2019
Fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills, Photo Date: 2019(U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah | MGN)
Published: Apr. 8, 2024 at 12:51 PM CDT

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Two people will spend 20 years in federal prison for the the death of a 16-year-old.

Nathaniel Martinez, 18, from Odessa, was sentenced in a federal court in Midland to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in the death of a minor.

According to court documents, law enforcement and medical personnel responded to an Odessa residence for a suspected drug overdose on Oct. 2, 2023. The 16-year-old male victim was found nonresponsive and was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Forensic pathologist reports and the medical examiner confirmed fentanyl as the cause of death.

Martinez sold fentanyl pills to the 16-year-old the night before.

The Odessa Police Department investigated the case and identified Jae Lynn Esparza aka Nova, 22, also of Odessa, as the supplier of the pills. Esparza was sentenced on March 7 to 20 years in federal prison for her role in the fentanyl conspiracy causing death.

“The substantial sentences handed down in this case reflect the gravity of it, but the punishment cannot bring back the child who died,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “This death of a child is a recurring nightmare for far too many parents and families across this country who are losing loved ones to fentanyl. We will continue to vigorously pursue and prosecute the suppliers and dealers of this deadly drug.”