Judge’s ruling in fentanyl murder case draws backlash

Prosecutors and law enforcement officials sharply criticized a Galveston County judge's decision to spare prison time for a man who pleaded guilty to murder in a fentanyl-related death on Thursday, arguing that the sentence conveys the wrong message about drug-related killings.

Kamron Zaheri, 35, was sentenced to 180 days in the Galveston County jail, with credit for 32 days already served, along with 10 years of deferred adjudication, under an order signed March 20 by Judge Patricia Grady, according to court records. Zaheri had pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Wade Potter, a case tied to fentanyl-laced drugs.

Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick addressed the controversial sentence during a Thursday press conference at the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, expressing frustration with the outcome. Zaheri was among the first defendants in the county charged with a fentanyl-related murder.

According to Cusick, Zaheri delivered heroin laced with fentanyl the day before Thanksgiving 2023. Potter purchased and used the substance, which ultimately led to his death. Zaheri initially appeared for a bench trial but later pleaded guilty, leaving sentencing to the judge.

Prosecutors had recommended a 25-year prison sentence. Instead, Zaheri received jail time and deferred adjudication, meaning he could avoid a final conviction if he successfully completes probation.

“I’m here to tell you that that is not the treatment that murders due to the selling and peddling of fentanyl in this county or any other drugs is going to get,” Cusick said. “I’m not happy with the result.”

Cusick emphasized that his office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting drug-related cases, particularly those involving fentanyl. “Minimal sentences for drug peddlers in this county are not going to be tolerated,” he said. “Much less peddling substances that are known and will kill somebody readily, such as fentanyl.”

Cusick also pushed back on claims of ignorance by drug sellers. “Just because somebody sells this stuff and claims they don’t know what they sold the person… you’re going to get the fullest measure of law enforcement that I can bring to you,” he said.

The victim’s family also condemned the sentence. In an interview with Fox26 News, Brandi McKnight, Potter’s girlfriend, called the outcome unjust and is urging a state investigation.

“It’s an injustice to Wade, my family and all the others who will be dealing with this in the future,” McKnight said.

Potter’s girlfriend also urged the public to remember Potter’s efforts to overcome addiction. She expressed, “I would like people to remember Wade for the 13 years he fought to be sober. Not for the end of his life.”

Under Texas law, judges are generally prohibited from granting probation in murder cases. However, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure allows deferred adjudication if the defendant had no intent to kill, did not directly cause the death, or did not anticipate that a life would be taken—a factor that may have influenced the ruling.

McKnight has asked Cusick to contact her because she believes an appeal is appropriate.