Iowa parents who lost son to fentanyl react to fentanyl murder charge bill
Two Iowa parents who lost their son to fentanyl poisoning say they are in "full support" of a bill that would increase penalties for fentanyl-related deaths.
Deric and Kathy Kidd's son, Sebastian, died in July 2021 after he took half a pill of what he thought was Percocet. He was unaware he had actually taken a counterfeit pill that contained a lethal dose of fentanyl.
The Kidd's say they fully agree with If the bill becomes law, an Iowan who distributes fentanyl to someone that results in death may face a first-degree murder charge. First-degree murder is a class "A" felony and could be punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The bill passed through the Iowa House last week with support and opposition from both parties. It needs to make it through its Senate subcommittee and full committee hearings by Friday, the second funnel deadline of the 2025 legislative session.
"It's time to make this an urgent matter in all aspects and step up and get some things done," Deric said.
While the couple supports the bill and would like to see it passed, they argue "it will not solve the issue." Kathy and Deric said the focus needs to be on mental health and why people are turning to drugs in the first place.
"You can't always control the supply, but what we can do is we can work really hard to control the demand," Kathy said.
Kathy and Deric have made it their life's mission to end the stigma surrounding the conversation on drugs and mental health. They started their son's foundation and started a nonprofit called Become Their Voice. They have spoken at schools, conferences and to various groups all across the state about the issue.
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