Sentencing on pause for already convicted killer in Fresno's first fentanyl murder case

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif (KFSN) -- For six months, Cassidy Gonzalez has been a convicted murderer in a first-of-its-kind case. But, she is no closer to being sentenced.

"I've been through the transcripts. I'm now on the issue of (ineffective assistance of counsel). I've done extensive research on the issue," defense attorney Yan Shrayberman, who has been appointed to the case, said in court on Friday.

Shrayberman is now reviewing Gonzalez's case, as she claims her trial attorney was ineffective.

"What's going to happen on the motion for ineffective assistance is to show somewhere that the defense attorney violated rights that she had," Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi said.

A jury convicted Gonzalez of killing Jade Dreith by selling her a deadly dose of fentanyl hours before she died. It is the first of its kind conviction in Fresno County and the third in the state.

"Is there something at trial that should have been objected to that wasn't?" Capozzi said about the review of the case. "Was there something at trial that the defense should have put in evidence that they didn't?"

At trial, prosecutors presented their evidence for days, but the defense's case lasted just 4 minutes and 41 seconds.

"The mere fact that the defense doesn't present any evidence is not enough to show ineffective assistance," Capozzi said. "And, again, the defendant never testified and agreed not to testify."

With the review of Gonzalez's attorney now underway, her sentencing is on pause. The judge pushed it back to at least January.

"I did have a chance to speak with the victim's family," Fresno County prosecutor Kendall Reynolds said. "They are seeking resolution and closure."

The case is likely to drag on for months as Gonzalez pursues several avenues, including asking for a new trial and fighting the case on appeal.

"Anyone who is going to be going to jail for a long period of time should have as many bites as possible because during that period of time, she's going to be in jail serving her sentence," Capozzi said.

If this case heads to sentencing, Gonzalez could face 15 years to life in state prison. She is scheduled to be back in court in January.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, X and Instagram.