A man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in a double, fatal overdose from May of 2023.
On May 12, 2023, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a death investigation near the 2000 block of East 131st Avenue in Tampa, where Christian Castro-Rivera, 33, was found unresponsive. He was transported to a nearby hospital but pronounced deceased upon arrival.
After a thorough investigation, detectives found Rivera had text messages with an unknown individual asking how he was feeling following the consumption of drugs they had taken together. Based on the text messages between Rivera and that individual, our deputies conducted a well-fare check at the other person's residence. Upon arrival, they located a second deceased male, Cristian Herrera, 28.
HCSO Detectives were called to both scenes, where they found small bags with a white substance inside. This substance was tested and found to be fentanyl. A further search of both the individual's phones also found a narcotics deal was arranged only a few hours prior with a man identified as Richard Thorpe, 40.
The investigation continued for several months and ultimately showed the two victims intended to purchase cocaine from Thorpe but received fentanyl and died as a result of using that substance.
On December 14, 2023, Thorpe was charged with the following:
- First-Degree Murder Which Resulted from the Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance x2
Richard Thorpe was located and arrested on December 20, 2023, and taken into custody without incident.
"In the wake of a harrowing months-long investigation, our dedicated detectives found the truth, that these individuals unknowingly fell victim to fentanyl, a lethal drug that robbed them of their futures," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Through tireless efforts, teamHCSO, exposed the criminal behind this devastating tragedy. I commend our deputies for their commitment to justice and for bringing closure to these grieving families."
All further information on this case will be released from the Public Affairs Office.