Nathaniel Cabacungan, 22, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation following his murder conviction for the death of 15-year-old Jewels Wolf.
On July 12, 2022, Cabacungan pled guilty to murder as well as selling a controlled substance to a minor for causing the fentanyl death of the teen.
Wolf’s parents, among many other loved ones, made victim impact statements with the support of their Victim Advocate from the Placer County District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Unit.
Cabacungan appeared in Placer County Superior Court on Tuesday morning for the sentencing.
Family members, friends, community members, and local officials also attended the court hearing in support of the victim’s family.
In the news: Florida Man Arrested After Fleeing From Citrus County Deputies In Stolen Car With Fentanyl
“Our message is simple: do not sell this poison in Placer County. This historic sentence affirms our county’s commitment to holding fentanyl dealers accountable,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “Through aggressive prosecution, county-wide investigations, support from our local officials, and our 1 Pill Can Kill Placer campaign, we will save lives through education, enforcement and empowering our community members. We will continue to stand with the Wolf family to honor her memory by educating our kids of the dangers of fentanyl.”
The county also held a press conference following the hearing on efforts being taken outside of the courtroom to combat this fentanyl epidemic, including the county’s new collaboration with Song for Charlie and their education portal.
“On behalf of my daughter Jewels, my family and I would like to thank the Placer County District Attorney’s Office and the special detective assigned to my daughter’s case,” said Jewel’s mother Regina Chavez. “They worked endlessly and diligently to bring justice for Jewels by obtaining the first murder conviction in California history for fentanyl poisoning. Though this victory does not bring my precious daughter back, I am honored to know that Jewels’ story is going to help save many lives going forward. The game has changed for fentanyl dealers and distributors. The precedent has been set – individuals can and will be charged for murder for selling deadly products containing fentanyl in Placer County and my beautiful Jewels helped set that precedent.”
In the news: Florida Woman Charged After Cops Find Enough Fentanyl To Kill 100s Of People
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo said: “Today, we stand united in our commitment to protect our community from the devastating grip of the fentanyl epidemic. Together with the support of the Placer County District Attorney’s office, we pledge to relentlessly pursue those who sell this deadly poison on our streets. Our mission is clear: to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens, holding fentanyl dealers accountable to the highest extent of the law. Let this be a resounding message – in the face of this epidemic, we remain vigilant and will tirelessly pursue fentanyl dealers in our commitment to save lives.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps