KANSAS CITY —A man already serving time in the Kansas Department of corrections is facing new charges in connection with two fatal fentanyl overdoses that took place in 2023.
Angel B. Esparza, 32, faces one count of 2nd Degree Felony Murder, one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, and one count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.
According to court records, two coworkers died from fentanyl overdoses in October 2023—one in their Lee’s Summit residence and another in their Belton residence.
The Jackson County Drug Task Force has led the investigation of the deaths over the past couple years, leading to the identification of Esparza.
Detectives found paraphernalia at the first victim’s home which tested positive for fentanyl. They also found messages between the victims indicating the use of fentanyl.
In 2024, detectives found Facebook messages and Cash App records indicating the defendant sold fentanyl to the second victim the night before the first victim’s death. Additional Facebook messages revealed the defendant had sold drugs, including fentanyl, to other individuals as well.
The defendant is currently serving a prison sentence in the Kansas Department of Corrections for an unrelated conviction. Esparza has seven previous convictions in Kansas. His bond has been set at $250,000.