Jovan Cortez, an 18-year-old, tragically passed away just one day after Texas implemented its new law concerning fentanyl poisoning in September 2023. According to court records, Cortez had mistakenly believed he was consuming Percocet, but an autopsy later revealed that he had actually died from a fentanyl overdose.
Jovan’s mother, Terea Cortez-Poole, expressed her deep sorrow and disbelief over the loss of her son. She described him as kind, sweet, and funny, always ready to lend a helping hand to others. She cannot accept the fact that he is no longer with them and still waits for him to come home. Terea mourns the loss of Jovan and feels the pain of never being able to see him again.
Cortez-Poole mentioned that her son faced challenges with mental health and drug use, but he was in the process of transforming his life.
According to Cortez-Poole, her brother wasn’t an addict. Instead, he would occasionally take pills to alleviate his pain. She highlighted that he had a stable job at FedEx and they had plans for his future, such as obtaining his GED, a license, and a car. It seemed like he was making significant progress in his life.
Jovan Cortez resided with his family, and his mother had the final conversation with him on September 2nd. Cortez-Poole mentioned that he had a contented disposition during their interaction.
Cortez-Poole shared a heartbreaking moment when she said, “I told him it’s past 1 o’clock and he needed to go to bed, and he responded, ‘Ok, I love you mom.’ And that was the last time we saw him in his room.”
Rafay stands accused of selling Percocet to Jovan Cortez, as indicated in court documents. The pills found in Cortez’s room were tested and confirmed to contain fentanyl. Meanwhile, Angel Barrientos, 26, is implicated in the delivery of these pills to Cortez’s residence.
Under the new law in Texas, both men are facing murder charges for allegedly poisoning with fentanyl. Along with them, a third person has also been charged in connection with the investigation. According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at an apartment that Rafay and Andrea Moreno, 23, shared.
Investigators seized a total of 1,400 grams of meth, 740 grams of Xanax, 30 grams of cocaine, and $24,000 in cash, according to court documents. While Moreno is not facing charges related to Jovan Cortez’s death, he is being charged with felony possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Cortez-Poole expressed her eagerness to witness the prosecution of the men responsible for her son’s death.
Cortez-Poole expressed her strong desire for the dealers to understand the magnitude of their actions. She emphasized that they had taken away a beautiful person who had a promising future.
Cortez-Poole has taken the initiative to create a TikTok channel, where she shares her son’s story and raises awareness about the hazards of fentanyl poisoning.
“These children are supposed to be the future generation that will shape our world,” she exclaimed with concern.
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