AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELEASE
DATE: January 15, 2026
TIME:
CASE NUMBER: 24-503510
INCIDENT TYPE: Murder
OFFICER SUBMITTING RELEASE: Lt. James Clement-Homicide Commander; Sgt. Carla Burr-PIO
DETAILS: On February 29, 2024, APD officers responded to a suspicious death call in the 3500 Blk of Barclay involving 18-year-old Vanessa Daniel. While there were no initial signs of trauma or foul play, investigators determined the death was the result of a fentanyl overdose.
The Amarillo Police Department Narcotics Unit, Homicide Unit and the Digital Forensics Unit, conducted an extensive investigation. The investigation identified Trent River Klein, age 25, as the individual who sold the fatal fentanyl pill to Vanessa.
The case was presented to and accepted by the Randall County District Attorney’s Office.
On January 13, 2026, Klein plead guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Murder.
This case marks the first fentanyl overdose death investigation in Randall County resulting in a murder conviction under Texas Legislation / House Bill 6, enacted in 2023, establishing an important precedent for future prosecutions.
