LANSING, Kan. — A 19-year old Leavenworth County man faces a first-degree murder charge.
Prosecutors say he was arrested on Wednesday and connected to the 2023 fentanyl overdose death of a 15-year old he met online.
Torin Baughman, allegedly sold the tainted pill to Cruz Burris for $20. Burris’ parents said he believed he was buying a Percocet.
“He knew Cruz was only 15 at the time, and he knew what could happen to him,” Rhonda Burris, Cruz’s mother, said on Thursday.
The Burris’ said the wait for charges in this case has seemed like forever.
Leavenworth County deputies arrested Baughman, and he now faces charges of first-degree murder and endangering a child for the alleged drug deal.
“If somebody could get ahold of a pill knowing there was fentanyl and it could kill somebody, and they continue to the distribution of this drug for $20, they should be held accountable,” Andy Burris, Cruz’s father, said.
Burris’ parents said they found his remains and learned of the overdose while trying to wake him for school. That was 14 months ago.
Kansas Bureau of Investigators officers couldn’t wrap up their work on the case without getting evidence from Cruz’ cell phone, and they needed federal assistance to unlock it.
“For $20— it was a $20 transaction — my son’s life was taken because of $20,” Rhonda Burris said.
Andy and Rhonda Burris are now part of a lawsuit against Snapchat, accusing the social media platform provides a venue for dangerous activity that affects kids.
Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said he knows families always want immediate results, but sometimes, the legal process takes more time.
“I understand parents want quick justice and family members want quick justice. What we really want to do is make sure we have correct justice and do what’s best for everyone involved,” Thompson said.
The Burris family now leads a foundation named in Cruz’s honor.
Andy Burris was due to visit the state capitol in Missouri, asking lawmakers for stronger penalties against people who sell dangerous drugs to kids.
Baughman will be arraigned in a Leavenworth County courtroom on Friday morning. If he’s found guilty, he cold be sentenced to 25 years in prison on the murder charge.
