Abilene Man Charged With Murder After Selling Fake Fentanyl Pills

ABILENE, TX — An Abilene man has been charged with murder after allegedly selling fake fentanyl pills that led to a teen's death.

Tristan McCrary, 22, reportedly sold counterfeit fentanyl pills to Jarrin Hernandez, 16, in December 2023.

The pills led to a fatal overdose for Hernandez, who was found unresponsive in his bedroom by his mother, according to court documents.

McCrary was charged with murder Thursday while he was already in the Taylor County Jail on unrelated charges.

Investigators stated McCrary admitted to friends that he sold the pills to Hernandez.

After Hernandez’s death, his family founded a nonprofit called “Jerrin’s Hope”, aimed at helping young people aged 12 to 17 who are struggling with addiction.