Man already in prison charged in 2023 Williamson County fentanyl death

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man currently in prison on drug-related charges is now facing a murder charge related to the death of a man who died of fentanyl poisoning in September 2023.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, detectives believe 27-year-old Tyreik Gilbert sold fentanyl to 26-year-old Joseph Barrera, which allegedly led to Barrera’s death.

WCSO said the Hutto Police Department requested assistance from the office’s Organized Crime Unit (OCU) after an initial investigation.

“This arrest marks the eighth case for the OCU related to fentanyl-induced murder, with four individuals taken to federal court and four prosecuted at the state level,” WCSO said.

According to a release, Gilbert was currently serving a four-year sentence for possession of a controlled substance. WCSO said his criminal history also included 26 drug-related offenses.

“The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit remains committed to fighting the fentanyl crisis in our community. Sheriff’s Office representatives stress that those involved in the sale of illicit narcotics in Williamson County will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” WCSO said.

As of Thursday, there was no attorney information listed for Gilbert.