California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) declared that the court case of Nathaniel Evan Cabacungan as the first person in California to be convicted of murder in a fentanyl death is justice for his victim.

Jewels Marie Wolf, a 15-year-old Roseville teen died of fentanyl overdose on June 19, 2022. During the investigation, it was revealed Cabacungan met with the teen and provided her with what turned out to be a lethal dose of counterfeit Percocet pills.

Cabacungan was given an «indeterminate sentence of 15 years to life» in prison, meaning he has to serve the full 15 years before he is eligible for parole. He was also sentenced to nine «concurrent years» for distributing narcotics to a minor. Those nine years will be served at the same time as the previous 15.

In July, the senator’s bill SB 226 making possession of fentanyl while carrying a loaded firearm a felony failed through the Assembly Public Safety Committee with a 2-1-5 vote. During that time, the senator expressed the vote to be a “missed opportunity to address a pressing public health and safety concern.” 

Alvarado-Gil said she stands in support of the sentencing and applauds the Placer County District Attorney’s office, Placer County Special Investigation Unit, and Placer County Law Enforcement for their continuous efforts in the Fentanyl crisis.

“My heart goes out to Jewels’ family, and surviving families of those killed by fentanyl, for the fight they faced in getting this outcome,” said Alvarado-Gil, who represents Ceres in the California State Senate. “We must remain steadfast in our efforts to protect our communities, particularly our youth, from the devastating impact of fentanyl. Eliminating this dangerous substance and holding those accountable for its distribution is a critical step in the right direction. However, we must remain vigilant in our efforts and continue to move forward rather than backward. It is imperative that legislative action focuses on enacting common-sense policies that address this health crisis.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a press conference: “If you are pedaling fentanyl and you have conscious disregard for the life of another, you can be charged, and charged and convicted for murder, as was here. The existing law provides for that and a very strong case was built here and we will come after you.”