Austin woman sentenced to prison time on felony 3rd degree murder charges in Mower County District Court

An Austin woman who pleaded guilty to murder charges in Mower County District Court stemming from the overdose deaths of two people in Austin in March and May of 2022 has been sentenced to prison time.  

43-year old Yashica Shenay Thomas was convicted and sentenced Thursday to 110 months, or nine years and two months in prison each for two separate felony 3rd degree murder charges stemming from the overdose death of a 23-year old Austin man on March 8th and from the overdose death of a 22-year old Austin woman at a residence in the 1100 block of 2nd Ave. SW on May 21st of 2022.  Authorities determined that the deaths were due to the toxic effects of fentanyl, and felony charges for 2nd degree manslaughter, culpable negligence, creating unreasonable risk and 2nd degree drugs, sale of any Schedule I or II narcotic in a park zone in both cases, plus additional felony charges of 2nd degree drugs, sale of 10 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to sell, 2nd degree drugs, sale of any Schedule I or II narcotic in a park zone, 3rd degree drug possession and 3rd degree drugs, possession of Schedule I or II narcotics in a park zone against Thomas stemming from a separate incident that took place on August 30th, 2022 were all dismissed with her guilty pleas.

Thomas was given credit for 191 days already served, and Judge Natalie Martinez determined that Thomas will be allowed to serve the two sentences concurrently.