'It's the worst feeling ever': Williamson Co. court case brings awareness to fentanyl dangers

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- A man accused of murder in connection with a 16-year-old's death in December 2023 was in court Wednesday for a bond reduction hearing.

Kreli Haynes was linked by law enforcement as selling Zarek McMeekin a fentanyl-laced pill that ultimately killed the boy. A judge decided to push back the decision of reducing the $1.2 million bond until October.

The boy's parents were in court, along with other parents who had lost children to the deadly drug.

"It is very painful because of what we're here for. We shouldn't be here. We should be at home with our son," Martha Ledezma, the boy's mother, said.

The case is one of the first in Williamson County to be prosecuted under a 2023 state law that allows fentanyl overdoses to be charged as murder.

The court appearance coincided with National Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Day, held annually on Aug. 21.

"It is the worst feeling ever. Something you will never get over," Ledezma said.

Surrounded by fellow "angels," Ledezma had mothers like Carilu Bell supporting her.

"It's important to honor my child," Bell said. "He was an adult child, but still my child." Her son was 44 years old when he died.

It's something Kathy Winters also knows all too well about.

"More times than not, they're responsible for more than one death. And getting these murderers off the street, and protecting other children, and adults, is our mission," Winters said.

Haynes remains in the Williamson County jail. He also faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful carrying of a firearm.

In a statement, Haynes' attorney, Sam Bassett, said:

“This is a difficult case for all involved. The new law passed regarding fentanyl is a severe measure designed to deal with a complex problem.  Given that this is a new law and a serious case, it will take time to fully investigate, prepare and conduct a trial. My client is a young African American with no prior criminal record. He is likely to face a trial in Williamson County sometime in 2025. My firm is working to ensure he gets the best defense possible.”

Sam Bassett, Haynes' attorney

Haynes is expected back in court on Oct. 23.