MUNCIE, Ind. — A Delaware County jury convicted a woman dealing resulting in death in connection with the overdose of another woman in 2020.
Cynthia Crane, 36, faced multiple charges in connection with the woman's overdose. The jury deliberated for a little over three hours before convicting Crane of multiple charges, which marks the ninth time a Delaware County jury convicted a person of dealing resulting in death.
On Nov. 28, 2020, Eaton Police Department and Eaton Fire Department responded to 301 E. Jefferson St, Eaton on reports of an unconscious person shortly after 11 a.m..
Upon arrival, Eaton officials were met at the door to the residence by the person that had called 911.
That individual told them their daughter, 32-year-old Jennifer Thomas, was not breathing. They had found their daughter in her bedroom, unconscious and slumped over in a chair at her computer desk.
Authorities were unable to find pulse on Thomas and she felt cold to the touch. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to court documents.
During toxicology testing of Thomas' body, it was determined that Jennifer had amphetamine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines in her blood at the time of her death.
A coroner confirmed the cause of the woman's death was acute mixed drug intoxication, which resulted from the combination of amphetamines, methamphetamine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines.
They also collected evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia inside her bedroom.
On top of a table at the scene, authorities said there were clear baggies containing white powdery substance; clear bag of green leafy substance; and Altoids can containing white, powdery substance. They also found a syringe with clear liquid next to Thomas' feet.
These items were sent to the Indiana State Police laboratory for drug analysis.
The powdery substances collected from the scene of her death were later found to be methamphetamine and fentanyl. It was also discovered that the fentanyl substance had been mixed with diphenhydramine.
On two of Thomas' cell phones handed over to police, court documents reveal Thomas had tried to buy narcotics from a man on Nov. 24, 2020.
Crane then later admitted that she also sold methamphetamine to Thomas after being connected with her through her boyfriend. When discussing Thomas' death, Crane stated that she "was afraid this would happen," according to court documents.
State police then obtained Crane's phone and investigators were reportedly able to locate multiple text conversations where she discusses the sale of illegal narcotics and drugs.
Crane was convicted of one count of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony.
She was convicted of a second count of conspiracy to commit dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 5 felony, and a third count of conspiracy to commit dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 5 felony.
A Level 1 felony is punishable by 20 to 40 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
