Harris County Man Charged with Murder After Fentanyl Delivery Killed Teen

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A Harris County man has been arrested and charged with murder after investigators alleged he supplied fentanyl that caused the death of an 18-year-old and the overdose of a second teenager.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on Jan. 10, 2026, when detectives with HIDTA Group 1, part of the Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, launched an investigation into 30-year-old Avery Joe Williams.

Investigators allege Williams delivered powdered fentanyl to a group of teenage boys. Authorities said the drugs resulted in the death of 18-year-old Logan Joseph Ricks, while a 16-year-old also overdosed but survived after being transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.

Following a months-long investigation, detectives arrested Williams on Aug. 4.

Detectives Thompson and Owen, members of the HIDTA task force and the Tomball Police Department Task Force, took Williams into custody.

Williams has been charged with murder by fentanyl delivery and remains jailed in the Harris County Jail.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the investigation was among the most complex handled by the Sheriff’s Office because of a Texas law that took effect in 2023 allowing murder charges in certain fentanyl delivery cases.

“The Texas law creating a murder charge for fentanyl delivery took effect in 2023, and these investigations are among the most complex we undertake,” Gonzalez said. “I want to commend our Harris County Sheriff’s Office detectives, HIDTA, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and every partner who remained committed throughout this lengthy investigation.”

Gonzalez also warned about the dangers of fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is not just another illegal drug. It is extraordinarily lethal. Behind every case is a family whose lives have been changed forever. Our commitment is twofold: holding those responsible accountable while continuing to educate our community about the dangers of these deadly substances.”