Tampa Woman Charged with First-Degree Murder in Fentanyl Overdose

A Tampa woman faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of a 36-year-old woman in Lithia. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Katrina Broaddus, 39, on August 13, 2026.

Detectives determined Broaddus distributed a lethal combination of fentanyl and carfentanil to Katelyn Thall, 36. Thall was found deceased in a vehicle on October 14, 2025, on the 12000 block of Horseshoe Bend Drive in Lithia. A passerby reported seeing an unresponsive woman in a car.

Deputies discovered Thall deceased inside the vehicle. Investigators found drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics surrounding the car. The HCSO Opioid Overdose Investigations Section took over the case, suspecting a fatal drug overdose.

The investigation revealed Thall obtained fentanyl from Broaddus the evening of October 13, 2025. Forensic testing of the substance recovered at the scene confirmed the presence of xylazine, carfentanil, cocaine, and fentanyl. Toxicology reports showed Thall had 18 times a lethal dose of fentanyl and carfentanil in her system.

Detectives spent months building their case, corroborating forensic and toxicology findings and tracing the drugs' source to Broaddus. An arrest warrant led to Broaddus's apprehension at her Riverview home on August 13, 2026.

Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the HCSO's commitment to prosecuting those who distribute deadly drugs. "This is the third arrest in two weeks on this exact charge, and dealers need to hear it clearly: we are watching, we are working these cases, and we will not stop," Sheriff Chronister stated. "Fentanyl doesn't discriminate, and neither will we when it comes to holding accountable the people who put it on our streets and take our neighbors' lives."

A charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This investigation remains active.