December 29, 2023 – Two suspects have been arraigned on murder charges stemming from a suspected fentanyl overdose. Recent Texas law that went into effect September 1st allows murder charges to be levied against those supplying fentanyl that results in death and enhances the criminal penalty for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl. Bryson Lacy, a 2021 SSHS graduate and standout athlete, was charged along with Xavier Hill for supplying the illegal contraband that led to the overdose death of Brayden Wooten. Lacy was charged with tampering with evidence pertaining to deleting text messages during the investigation into Wooten’s death. Lacy was also charged with first degree felony murder for his involvement in supplying the contraband that officials believe led to Wooten’s death. Bryson Devonte Lacy remains in the Hopkins County Jail with bond set at $1 million on the murder charge plus and additional bond of $50,000 on the tampering charge.
Xavier John Hill was also charged with first degree felony murder by local authorities based on Hill’s suspected involvement in the death of Brayden Wooten. Hill’s bond on the murder charge was set at $1 million. Hill also had bond set on a previous Possession of a Controlled Substance Charge Penalty Group 1/1-B >=1G<4G. bond on that charge is set at $100,000. The previous possession charge stemmed from a traffic stop in October of 2023 when a Sulphur Spring Police officer stopped Hill for speeding and during a license check the officer confirmed four active warrants. During the search of the vehicle a blue pill was observed on the ground at the suspect’s feet. Hill denied ownership of the pill, which later tested positive for fentanyl. As the suspect moved to the front of the vehicle, more blue pills fell from the suspect’s pants leg. During a pat down of Hill, the SSPD officer found a clear plastic bag containing more pills. Hill was also previously arrested in 2021 on two other Hopkins County warrants. That story can be found here: Previous Hill Arrest
