A Los Angeles County man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years behind bars for the fentanyl-related death of a Metro train rider two years ago.
Shane Christopher Brown, 37, was found guilty in Los Angeles federal court in July of one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
Investigators said surveillance cameras captured Brown distributing fentanyl on Jan. 16, 2023, while riding the then-Gold Line train (now the A Line) through Azusa. The victim overdosed within 10 minutes of ingesting the drug and died on the floor of the Azusa Downtown station, according to federal prosecutors.
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The victim’s toxicology reports revealed that fentanyl was the only illicit substance in his blood, court documents showed.
Brown was arrested in Glendora less than two months after the death.
“Fentanyl and other illicit drugs continue to devastate families and communities across LA County and the nation,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement after Brown was convicted.
“Through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we were able to hold the individual who was responsible for the tragic death of a transit passenger accountable and serve justice to the victim’s family. This case highlights our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the deadly impact of drug-related crimes,” he added.