MURDER CHARGES FILED FOR IN-CUSTODY FENTANYL DEATH

Marysville, Ca. – The Yuba County District Attorney filed murder charges today against Aaron Henning for the in-custody death of Matthew Perez. 

After the death of inmate Matthew Perez in the Yuba County Jail on November 2, 2022, detectives from the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office (YSCO) launched a full investigation, determining that Perez ingested fentanyl that was smuggled into the jail and died from fentanyl poisoning.  During the investigation, detectives also determined that at least one other inmate was poisoned by the fentanyl, but survived due to life-saving efforts of jail and medical staff.

After following leads for weeks and gathering the evidence, YCSO detectives arrested Henning on December 6, 2022, and booked him at the Yuba County Jail for the charges of 187 PC (Murder), and 4573 PC (Bringing Drugs into a Jail). 

The District Attorney charged Henning with the murder of Matthew Perez, causing great bodily injury to both Perez and a second unnamed inmate by furnishing them with fentanyl, and bringing the fentanyl into the Yuba County Jail. 

Henning, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty, is scheduled to be arraigned in Yuba County Superior Court today at 3:00 p.m.  The Yuba County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices continue to investigate.  Anyone with information related to this case should please contact Detective Sergeant J.D. Parker at (530) 749-7777.