Central Florida Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl-Related Second-Degree Murder
Delia Marie Dean, aged 47, has been sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections for her involvement in the unlawful distribution of fentanyl leading to the death of 48-year-old Jonathan Michael Bishop.
Dean pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder following her arrest in 2022 for distributing fentanyl, which resulted in Bishop’s death. The sentencing underscores the severity of the opioid crisis, as highlighted by Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson, who emphasized the ongoing battle against such substances in local communities.
On April 20, 2024, deputies from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Inverness where Bishop was found deceased. Subsequent investigation revealed the presence of fentanyl, confirmed by a field test of a white powdery substance discovered in Bishop’s bathroom. The medical examiner determined Bishop’s cause of death as a result of combined drug toxicity involving fentanyl and alcohol.
Dean was identified as the primary suspect following intensive investigative efforts by CCSO’s Major Crimes detectives and Tactical Impact Unit detectives. She was arrested on May 23, 2022, based on collected evidence and interviews conducted during the investigation.
Also Read:
- Council Member’s Personal Tragedy Fuels Fight Against Fentanyl Crisis
- Austin Overdose Crisis: 75 CASES Reported in 3 Days, FENTANYL and COCAINE Detected
Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore handled the prosecution of the case, utilizing new legislative tools aimed at holding individuals accountable for their roles in perpetuating the opioid crisis.