Kami Ludwig : “North Texas Woman, 35, Arrested for Fatal Overdose: Boyfriend’s Fentanyl Case”

Authorities have apprehended a 35-year-old woman on a murder charge following her boyfriend’s death due to a fentanyl overdose three months ago, according to the police.

On November 20, Grapevine police officers were called to a residence in the 4100 block of Mapleridge Drive, near Hall-Johnson Road, to investigate a death, as stated in a news release by the department. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of William Shane Nolen, 47, in his bedroom, exhibiting “signs consistent with an opioid overdose,” as reported by the police.

Following an arrest-warrant affidavit, law enforcement found a single blue M-30 pill on the staircase leading to the second floor of the house. Additionally, numerous pills suspected to be Xanax were found on the bedroom floor where Nolen was located, alongside a cut straw and powder residue on the vanity in the master bathroom.

Initially arrested for possession of a controlled substance, Kami Ludwig, who identified herself as Nolen’s girlfriend and made the initial 911 call, was subsequently taken into custody. During a search of the residence, authorities discovered approximately 40 fentanyl-laced pills, as disclosed in the affidavit.

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During their investigation, detectives from the Grapevine Police Department and the Mid-Cities Drug Task Force uncovered evidence suggesting that Ludwig had purchased fentanyl-laced pills and provided them to Nolen. Furthermore, Ludwig’s cellphone was examined, revealing that she had obtained M-30 pills from individuals known as “Blue” and “T,” and that she frequently visited their residence in Fort Worth, as detailed in the affidavit.

The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office also confirmed in January that Nolen’s cause of death was a result of mixed-drug toxicity from fentanyl and trazodone, an antidepressant, according to the affidavit.

On Friday, Grapevine police obtained an arrest warrant on a murder charge against Ludwig, as mentioned in the news release. Ludwig voluntarily surrendered herself to Tarrant County authorities on Monday.

In June, Governor Greg Abbott signed a series of laws aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis in Texas. House Bill 6, which became effective in September, permits the prosecution of individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing or distribution of fentanyl for murder if it results in a fatality.

Texas has already witnessed at least one conviction of murder in a fentanyl-related death, as highlighted in a recent report. Jasinto Jimenez from Wichita Falls was sentenced to 45 years in prison.