New Florida law allows teens to be charged with murder in drug overdose cases: 'Meaningful change'

New law targeting drug dealers

A new law will target drug dealers under 18 years old, in an effort to battle the opioid crisis. Kylie Jones reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - Law enforcement officials in Hillsborough County spoke Wednesday about a new Florida law that allows juveniles who distribute drugs that cause a deadly overdose to be charged with murder.

The backstory:

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 612 in May after the Florida Legislature passed the measure. It allows anyone under the age of 18 who deals drugs that lead to a deadly overdose to be prosecuted for third-degree murder.

Third-degree murder is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister says he worked with state lawmakers to craft the bill after the death of 17-year-old Devin Ramos, who investigators say died on June 3, 2024, after unknowingly ingesting a fentanyl-laced pill given to him by a 17-year-old.

The pills were laced with fentanyl and both children overdosed, but Devin's overdose was deadly.

"Our hands were tied in this case based solely on the fact that this defendant was under the age of 18," Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez said.

Pictured: Devin Ramos.

What they're saying:

"If he had used a gun, a knife or any other means to take someone's life, he would have faced murder charges and severe consequences for his actions," Chronister said. "But poisoning someone with fentanyl? The law made a distinction, and this dealer, simply because he was a juvenile, could not be held accountable."

Under current law, law enforcement officers say drug dealers who supply drugs, specifically those with fentanyl, that cause a deadly overdose can't be held accountable.

Chronister says he was "infuriated" when he learned about the case, and thanks State Sen. Danny Burgess and State Rep. Traci Koster, who he says were instrumental in passing the law.

"This is a true example of good government," Chronister said. "It started with a tragedy, sparked a conversation and led to real, meaningful change."

Pictured: Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister speaks at a news conference on June 4, 2025.

Ramos's mother, Amy Olmdea, was emotional as she talked about her son during Wednesday's news conference.

"I am at peace now that my son's death is not in vain," Olmdea said. "And because of this new law, other families will get justice now."

Pictured: Amy Olmdea speaks at a news conference on June 4, 2025.

Olmdea also shared a message to other parents in hopes of preventing future tragedies.

"Get close to your kids," Olmdea said. "Be nosy, get in their business, make sure they know about God. You know, keep them close to you and keep them away from the streets."

"There isn't a day that goes by that I do not think about him and miss him tremendously," Olmeda said.

Devin was a typical 17-year-old.

"Devin was such a talented kid and loved making music and playing basketball and hanging out with his friends," Olmeda said. "My son has such a huge heart and a kind soul."

Olmeda says June 3, 2024, the day Devin died, was the worst day of her life.

"I've seen other families go through this, and I always said that this would never be me," she said.

Lopez focused her message on young people who knowingly distribute dangerous drugs.

"If you're dealing deadly drugs, like fentanyl, you won't get a pass in Hillsborough County just because of your age," Lopez said. "You make an adult decision and you kill someone, you will face adult consequences."