Placer County Sheriff and DA Announce Convicted Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years to Life for Death of Kade Webb
December 6, 2024 – Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Thursday, a judge sentenced convicted fentanyl dealer Carson Schewe to 20 years to life after being convicted of murder for the fentanyl death of Kade Webb. The deadly drug transaction took place on December 3rd, 2021. A short time later, Webb was found dead.
Our newly formed Opioid Response Team and the Placer County District Attorney's Office worked closely on this case, which marked the first fentanyl murder conviction by a jury in the region. The Opioid Response Team investigates all fentanyl-related deaths within the Placer County Sheriff’s jurisdiction to gather vital evidence for prosecuting drug dealers. Their efforts, alongside the DA’s office, are making a significant impact. In California, five fentanyl dealers have been convicted of murder, with three of those convictions occurring in Placer County.
After Thursday's sentencing, Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo spoke at a press conference, issuing a strong warning to drug dealers: “We will use every resource at our disposal to hold you accountable if you choose to peddle poison into our community.” While seeking justice won’t bring back the lives lost, it can provide some closure for the families who will never get to hug their loved ones again. Today, our hearts are with the Webb family.
Source & photo: Placer County Sheriff's Office
Statement from the Placer County District Attorney's Office:
Fentanyl dealer receives 20 years to life in prison for selling deadly fentanyl to Roseville resident Kade Webb Marking the first murder conviction by a jury in the region
December 6, 2024 – ROSEVILLE, CA – on Dec. 5, 2024, the Honorable Judge Jones sentenced local fentanyl dealer Carson Schewe to 20 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the fentanyl death of local Roseville resident Kade Webb.
In 2021, first responders received a call of a deceased victim at a local business. In the course of their investigation, detectives determined that the victim, Kade Webb, had ingested a pill that contained fentanyl that he had purchased earlier from Carson Schewe.
As a result of the investigation conducted by the Placer County Special Investigations Unit, supported by the Roseville Police Department Crime Suppression Unit, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office charged Schewe with second-degree murder and several drug sales charges. The case was subsequently investigated by the Placer County Sheriff's Office's newly formed Opioid Response Team.
The defendant appeared in Placer County Superior Court this morning for the sentencing. Senior Deputy District Attorney Devan Portillo of the Placer County District Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit represented the People of Placer County, supported by the Placer County Sheriff's Office’s dedicated detective to their Opioid Response Team.
The judge referred to the jury’s decision to find the defendant guilty and the importance of that decision. He stated how fentanyl is different than any other drug from the past. He stated his concern of the deadliness of the drugs infiltrating the streets and the need for administrations to take action against the opioid crisis. The judge also considered if Schewe would be a continued danger to the public.
"I hope and pray for the day when we no longer have to share these tragic stories of fentanyl devastating our communities," said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. "Until then, we will continue to educate our community members and aggressively hold those who sell poison to our residents accountable. I thank the jury for their thoughtful and thorough deliberations, which led us to a just result. For anyone thinking of selling fentanyl in our county, I have one message for you – we will find you and we will hold you accountable."
"We will not tolerate the devastation fentanyl brings to our community," said Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo. "This conviction is a testament to the partnership between the Placer County District Attorney’s Office and our Opioid Response Team - which was created with the mission to hold dealers accountable and save lives. Together, we are tackling the fentanyl crisis head-on."
Kade’s parents and siblings made victim impact statements with the support of their victim advocate from the Placer County District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Unit. Dozens of family members, loved ones and supporters were present at today’s court hearing.
"No mother should ever have to bury her child," said Kade’s mom, Elizabeth Dillender. "Kade was like any other kid, active, loving and at times struggling – but my son had so much to look forward to – he did not want to die. As our family helps raise his daughter without him, I feel that it is my mission to ensure that no family ever has to experience this loss. I will continue to partner with our District Attorney’s Office to educate and empower others in this fight against the fentanyl crisis."
"This war against our children cannot be ignored," said Kade’s dad, Kurt Webb. "I call on our region, state and nation to follow suit to what we have built here in Placer County. Our county’s aggressive approach to those who sell this poison sends a message that cannot be ignored – stay away from our kids. I will honor Kade’s memory by continuing this fight and ensure our policy makers hold these death dealers accountable."
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 Kade’s cousin, San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb in a local launch of his documentary "Poisoned: The Story of Logan & Kade Webb".
"There is nothing that prepares you for a loss of someone who is like your brother," said Kade’s cousin Logan Webb. "I am humbled to have a platform to share Kade’s story at a national level to help reach our youth on this crisis. Our kids are struggling, and we need to let them know that it is ok to struggle, but also the dangers that self-medicating can bring. I know that Kade would want his story to help others, and I am honored to take on that mission."
"I commend the tireless work of the Placer County District Attorney’s Office to hold fentanyl dealers accountable. Today’s sentencing is a model for the state, that our communities will not tolerate the peddling of dangerous drugs that destroy lives and families," said Assemblyman Joe Patterson. "This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the need for a comprehensive approach to combating the fentanyl crisis with education, treatment, and accountability."
To learn more about countywide efforts visit www.1PillcanKillPlacer.com and www.placer.ca.gov/FightingFentanyl.
Logan Webb’s ESPN documentary can viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptSFSs3bCps&t=168s
Watch the Placer County District Attorney Office new fentanyl PSA at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49BL1879VVU
Source & photo: Placer County District Attorney's Office