Austin Man Arrested for Murder After Fatal Fentanyl Overdose in Leander

LEANDER, TEXAS – Investigators with the Leander Police Department have arrested Michael Woodruff, an Austin resident, in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred in Leander earlier this year.

On the morning of Monday, October 20, 2025, members of the Leander Police Department Special Investigative Unit, assisted by the Cedar Park Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol, executed an arrest warrant charging Woodruff with Murder – Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1-B, a first-degree felony under Texas law.

The warrant stems from a deadly overdose that happened in April 2025, when investigators determined the victim had died after ingesting fentanyl supplied by Woodruff. Detectives gathered evidence linking him to the fatal dose, which led to the murder charge under Texas Penal Code 19.02(a)(4) and Texas Health and Safety Code 481.1123.

This Texas statute allows prosecutors to pursue murder charges against anyone who manufactures or delivers a controlled substance that directly causes another person’s death, even if the drug was used in combination with other substances. In this case, investigators allege that the fentanyl provided by Woodruff was responsible for the victim’s death.

According to Leander Police, Woodruff was taken into custody in Austin without incident. During the arrest, officers found him in possession of both fentanyl and cocaine. He was transported to the Williamson County Jail, where he remains in custody.

Authorities say the arrest was the result of extensive investigative work by multiple agencies. Detectives with Leander PD’s Special Investigative Unit developed leads and collaborated with neighboring departments to locate and apprehend the suspect.

“The successful arrest of this suspect was made possible through the strong partnership and coordination between local and state law enforcement,” the Leander Police Department said in a statement. “We want to thank the Cedar Park Police Department and Texas DPS Highway Patrol for their assistance and support during this operation.”

Although Woodruff has been arrested, officials emphasized that the case remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional evidence is being reviewed, and further charges may be filed depending on the outcome of forensic testing and witness interviews.

The case highlights Texas law enforcement’s increasing use of the fentanyl murder statute, which was expanded in recent years to hold dealers criminally responsible for overdose deaths. Under the law, a conviction for Murder – Delivery of a Controlled Substance carries a potential sentence of five to ninety-nine years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, continues to drive overdose deaths across Texas. Local law enforcement agencies, including Leander PD, have stepped up enforcement efforts to combat the drug’s spread, often collaborating with state and federal partners.

The Leander Police Department encourages anyone with information about fentanyl distribution or related overdose cases to contact its Special Investigative Unit. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Williamson County Crime Stoppers.

As the investigation continues, officials say their focus remains on holding those accountable who distribute lethal substances within the community.