CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Delia Marie Dean, 47, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last week after pleading guilty to Second-Degree Murder in the death of 48-year-old Jonathan Michael Bishop.
“This case represents the significant battle law enforcement faces when combating the opioid epidemic in our communities,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Thanks to recent legislative changes, both our office and our law enforcement partners have new tools to address the issue and hold defendants like this accountable for their roles in perpetuating this crisis.”
On April 20, 2024, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on West Hudson Street in Inverness after a death report.
Read: Tampa Airman Found Guilty Of Attempted Child Sex Crimes On MacDill Air Force Base
They found Mr. Bishop deceased in his room, with signs consistent with rigor mortis. Investigators determined he had no underlying medical conditions that could have caused his death.
A search of the room revealed a white powder later identified as Fentanyl. Testing confirmed its presence, and the substance was collected as evidence. Mr. Bishop’s body was transported to the medical examiner for autopsy.
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes and Tactical Impact Unit detectives collaborated on the case, identifying Dean as a suspect.
Read: Estranged Boyfriend Arrested After Fatal Shooting At Haines City Restaurant
Toxicology Report and Charges:
The Medical Examiner’s Office toxicology report, received on May 19, 2022, attributed Mr. Bishop’s death to combined drug toxicity from Fentanyl and alcohol.
Based on the investigation’s findings, an arrest warrant was issued for Dean, who was apprehended on May 23, 2022. Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore prosecuted the case.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.