In a landmark trial for the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s office, a jury has found a defendant guilty in a fentanyl overdose murder case.
The State Attorney’s office said the verdict marked a significant development in a case that has highlighted the deadly impact of fentanyl in the local community.
Marquis Rosado was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Marcus Lane II.
The investigation began on October 12, 2021, when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received a call about a deceased male, later identified as Marcus Lane II. MCSO Major Crimes Detective Andrew Canterberry responded to the scene, where evidence suggested that Marcus had died from a drug overdose.
A plastic bag containing pills was found near the victim and collected as evidence.
On November 30, 2021, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Marcus’ death resulted from Fentanyl and Ethanol toxicity.
Detective Canterberry further uncovered text message records between the victim and Rosado discussing the sale of drugs on the day of the victim’s death. Surveillance footage and witness accounts corroborated that Rosado had delivered the drugs to the victim’s home a few hours before his death.
On January 6, 2022, Rosado was arrested in this case. Following his arrest, Detective Canterberry requested a laboratory analysis of the pills found near Marcus, which confirmed the presence of Fentanyl. On August 25, 2022, Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt presented the case to a Grand Jury, which returned an indictment charging Rosado with First Degree Murder.
Rosado was arrested again and has been held at the Marion County Jail without bond until this trial.
“This conviction underscores the commitment of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and our office to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs and seek justice for victims and their families,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson. “I am extremely proud of Assistant State Attorney Berndt for diligently prosecuting this case and laying the groundwork for future prosecutions of these types of crimes.”
Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt prosecuted this case.
