Judge Rules Sufficient Evidence For Oxnard Man To Face Trial In Ventura County's First Fentanyl Murder Case

Thursday March 27, 2025

     Update--Following a three day preliminary hearing a judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence for an alleged drug dealer to become the first person in Ventura County to face trial for murder in a fentanyl overdose death.

     56-year-old Rodney Ray Yanez of Oxnard is charged with second degree murder in the death of Dylan Rusch of Oxnard.

     It's alleged that Yanez knowingly sold Rusch the Fentanyl that killed Rusch who was found dead in the restroom of a gas station in the 1500 block of West Gonzales Road in September of 2023.

     The Ventura County Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was a Fentanyl overdose.

     In addition to the second degree murder charge, Yanez was also held to answer for a host of other charges relating to drug dealing.

     Testimony and evidence began Tuesday and wrapped up Thursday with the judge's decision.

     The prosecution presented several witnesses.

     The defense did not present any evidence but did challenge the murder charge.

     Yanez, who is being held on $1 million bail, is due back in court on April 10th to be arraigned on what's called an "information".

     That's the charging document that can lead to a trial.