Bond set at $250K for 24-year-old charged with fentanyl murder after 16-year-old died
The charge was made possible by a relatively new law that makes it easier for alleged drug dealers to be held accountable.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man accused of leading a 16-year-old boy to die from fentanyl appeared in court for the first time on Friday.
Cooper Root is described by his family as a "true light in the world." He died on Sept. 15 after allegedly taking fentanyl.
Omarion Bailey, 24, is currently in the Harris County Jail facing a charge of fentanyl murder by delivery after court documents accuse him of delivering the drug to the teenager.
In September of last year, a new state law was put into effect that created a criminal offense of murder for supplying fentanyl that results in death.
This charge has been used at least one other time in Harris County already, back in November, when an inmate in the county jail was accused of passing fentanyl to fellow inmate Christian Rayo, who died after taking it.
READ MORE: Harris Co. inmate died after snorting powder acquired for noodles, coffee, records allege
ABC13 spoke to Cooper's family, who was aware of Bailey's arrest. They said Cooper was the third of five children and was one of a kind with a great sense of humor.
Family members said the teen had a goal of one day becoming a counselor so he could help others.
Bailey's bond was set at $250,000 during his court hearing. His next court appearance is next Friday, Jan. 26.
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