BEAUMONT, Texas — Jury selection has begun for a Southeast Texas man charged with murder for his part in three fentanyl related deaths in 2024

Dalton Batiste is facing two counts of murder after three people died due to drugs he allegedly sold being laced with fentanyl.

Another man involved in the case, Harry Francis Lowenthal , was given 45-years in prison for his part in the deaths back in July.

It was the first time in Jefferson County that the new state statute, to indict someone for murder after selling drugs laced with fentanyl, is being utilized.

The two suspects were initially charged with murder and manslaughter after three people died in January 2024 from a fentanyl overdose.

Testimony in Batiste's trial is expected to begin Tuesday.

Batiste will be defended by Ryan Ge

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