A disturbing case has emerged in Houston, Texas, where 45-year-old Joshua Youngblood has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault following the fentanyl-related death of his 28-year-old daughter, Jade Youngblood, on Thanksgiving Day 2023.
According to court records, Youngblood allegedly provided fentanyl to Jade and her friend at her Alief apartment. Minutes later, Jade collapsed and died from an overdose. While his daughter was fighting for her life, Youngblood allegedly sexually assaulted her unconscious friend, who was later revived with Narcan.
Authorities say Youngblood denied supplying drugs, claiming he warned his daughter against Xanax use. However, investigators discovered conflicting accounts, with a surviving friend alleging that Youngblood brought drugs into the apartment, including marijuana, cocaine, and PCP. The autopsy revealed that Jade died from a combination of fentanyl, alprazolam, and ethanol.
Youngblood remains jailed on a combined bond exceeding $300,000. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that this case is among several fentanyl-related murder charges filed since Texas passed a law allowing murder charges for fentanyl distribution leading to death.
Investigators say Youngblood did not attempt to help his daughter as she was gradually dying from fentanyl poisoning. Instead, he allegedly proceeded to sexually assault her friend, who was also under the influence of fentanyl at the time.
Jade’s mother, Bernice Hawkins, has spoken out, calling Youngblood a “vile person” and expressing deep grief over her daughter’s death. She described Jade as a kind-hearted woman who loved singing and had a deep love for animals.
Authorities continue to gather evidence, and Youngblood is expected to appear in court for further proceedings
