The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has charged Rachel Goode with murder in the first degree.
On July 26, 2022, a witness discovered a lifeless body in a hotel room at 12007 North Nebraska Avenue. Inside the room, deputies came across a quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with other associated paraphernalia.
During a witness interview, Rachel Goode was identified as responsible for supplying methamphetamine and fentanyl to the deceased male.
On September 16, 2022, the Medical Examiner's Office determined that the victim's cause of death was attributed to an overdose resulting from the combined effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
More than a year later, substantial evidence has been collected against Goode. With confirmation from testing done at the scene, it was confirmed she provided the victim with controlled substances that directly led to his death.
On August 18, 2023, Rachel Goode was charged with Murder in the First Degree, Which Resulted From the Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
"Each overdose serves as a harrowing reminder of the pressing struggle our deputies face daily against fentanyl," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our commitment to hold accountable those responsible for spreading this menace remains steadfast; if you spread this poison in our community, we will find you."
The investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.