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

An Austin woman convicted on 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, who is currently incarcerated at the Minnesota Women’s Correctional Facility in Shakopee was sentenced Wednesday to 86 months, or just over seven years in prison, and $8,270 in restitution and fees for a felony 3rd degree murder charge stemming from the overdose death of a 23-year old Austin man on March 8th, 2022. A felony charge for 2nd degree manslaughter, culpable negligence, creating unreasonable rise, and a felony charge for 2nd degree drugs, sale of any Schedule I or II narcotic in a park zone were dismissed with Thomas’s guilty plea.

Thomas was also sentenced Wednesday to 110 months, or just over nine years in prison, plus $3,741 in restitution and fees for an additional felony charge of 3rd degree murder stemming 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 both deaths were due to the toxic effects of fentanyl, and additional felony charges for 2nd degree manslaughter, culpable negligence, creating unreasonable risk, and for 2nd degree drugs, sale of any Schedule I or II narcotic in a park zone against Thomas in the case were dismissed with her guilty plea.  Thomas pleaded guilty to both felony murder charges on January 26th of this year, and she was convicted on March 9th.

Judge Natalie Martinez determined that Thomas will be allowed to serve the two sentences concurrently, and she added that the restitution to be paid in both cases will be reserved for the duration of the sentences.