The Brief Andrew Michael Smith, 36, was sentenced to life in federal prison for supplying fentanyl-laced pills that caused the overdose death of 20-year-old Macie Joe Chastain. Prosecutors revealed Smith used his phone to film Chastain for several hours as she was actively dying, only calling emergency responders after she took her final breath. The investigation originally marked Grayson County's first fentanyl murder arrest under state law before moving to federal court, leading police to indict a second suspect identified as Smith's supplier.



A Denison man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for supplying a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced pills to a 20-year-old woman, then recording video of her as she spent hours dying of an overdose.

Life sentence for lethal dose

Andrew Michael Smith, 36, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant following a federal trial conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death.

The case stems from the Sept. 5, 2024, death of Macie Joe Chastain, who was found unconscious at a home in the Perrin Estates neighborhood of Denison. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Chastain died at the scene. The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office later ruled her cause of death as multidrug toxicity from methamphetamine and fentanyl.

The backstory:

Federal prosecutors revealed a harrowing timeline during court proceedings. Smith provided the lethal drugs to Chastain, but instead of seeking help when she began exhibiting severe signs of respiratory distress, tremors, and vomiting, he used his phone to record her for several hours.

While Chastain was actively dying, Smith talked to multiple people and even continued to arrange additional drug transactions. Investigators noted that Smith only contacted emergency responders after Chastain had taken her final breath.

What they're saying:

 Smith targeted this victim because he knew her addiction made her vulnerable,  said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas.  Smith deserves every day of this life sentence. 

The in

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