Kansas City, Missouri, October 26, 2025
News Summary
A Kansas City man, Angel Esparza, has been charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter related to the drug overdose deaths of two Wingstop employees. The charges highlight ongoing concerns over fentanyl and illegal drug use in the area. Evidence collected from both victims’ premises revealed drug paraphernalia, and investigators noted communication between victims and their workplace regarding the dangers of fentanyl prior to their deaths.
Kansas City Man Charged with Murder and Manslaughter in Connection with Drug Overdose Deaths of Two Wingstop Employees
A man named Angel Esparza, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and delivery of a controlled substance (excluding 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid). The charges are linked to the drug overdose deaths of two men who worked at a local Wingstop restaurant, bringing to light ongoing concerns regarding the dangers of illegal drug use, particularly involving potent substances like fentanyl.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s office announced the charges after the police in Lee’s Summit contacted a Jackson County Drug Task Force detective on October 22, 2023, about a suspected overdose death in a Lee’s Summit apartment. The first victim had been discovered in a bedroom filled with diverse items of drug paraphernalia, all photographed and collected as evidence.
An autopsy report dated November 8, 2024, attributed the cause of death to fentanyl and acetylfentanyl intoxication. A relative of this victim noted they used a phone application to monitor the victim’s movements. This app indicated the victim returned home from work at Wingstop at 12:52 a.m. and sent a text to a relative at 2:06 a.m., requesting a call before 11 a.m. to confirm he was awake for work. Notably, just before sending this text, the victim had informed his manager about the powerful effects of fentanyl.
The second victim was found deceased by Belton police officers on October 24, 2023, in a basement bedroom of a residence. Similar to the first, this scene also contained numerous items of drug paraphernalia, including syringes and a baggie with suspected illicit drugs.
Esparza was interviewed by a detective in September 2024 at the Franklin County Detention Center in Ottawa, Kansas. During this interview, court documents revealed that Esparza provided false information to the detective, claiming he was in the Franklin County Jail on October 21, 2023, the very night he supposedly sold fentanyl to at least one of the overdose victims.
The impact of these overdose deaths highlights the growing concern over drug-related fatalities in the Kansas City area and beyond. As authorities continue to investigate, the case serves as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with illegal drugs.
Context on Fentanyl Usage
Fentanyl is an opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine, often leading to fatal overdoses, especially when mixed with other drugs. The rise in opioid-related deaths has prompted public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the dangers associated with opioid use. This case emphasizes the urgent need for effective interventions to combat drug overdoses and the networks that facilitate illegal drug distribution.
FAQs
Who is Angel Esparza?
Angel Esparza is a 32-year-old man charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and delivery of a controlled substance in connection with the overdose deaths of two Wingstop employees.
What charges is Esparza facing?
Esparza faces charges of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and delivery of a controlled substance (excluding 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid).
What substance was involved in the overdose deaths?
The overdose deaths were linked to fentanyl and acetylfentanyl intoxication.
When were the overdose deaths reported?
The first victim was found on October 22, 2023, and the second victim on October 24, 2023.
What did the investigation reveal?
The investigation showed that each victim had numerous items of drug paraphernalia at the scene, and one victim had communicated concerns about fentanyl to his manager before his death.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Angel Esparza |
| Age | 32 |
| Charges | Second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, delivery of a controlled substance |
| Victims | Two employees from Wingstop (identities redacted) |
| Drug Involved | Fentanyl and acetylfentanyl |
| Date of First Victim’s Report | October 22, 2023 |
| Date of Second Victim’s Report | October 24, 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Kansas City Man Convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter
Charges Filed in Fentanyl Distribution Case in Kansas City
Additional Resources
- Fox 4 KC: Kansas City Teen Gets 15 Years for Drug Deal Turned Deadly Shooting
- KSHB: Man Charged with Murder in Deaths of 2 Men from Drug Overdoses
- KMBC: Kansas City Woman Charged with Murder in 3-Year-Old’s Death
- KCTV5: Man Previously Convicted of Colorado Homicide Arrested on KC Drug Trafficking Charges
- NBC News: Two Men Charged in Drug-Related Death of Two Kansas City Chiefs Fans
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- Google Search: Drug Overdose Awareness
- Google Scholar: Fentanyl Overdoses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
- Google News: Drug Overdose Kansas City
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
