A 22-year-old Ocala man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was found guilty of first-degree murder for selling fentanyl to a man who overdosed and died.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office stated last week that the trial of Marquis Luis Rosado concluded in a Marion County courtroom on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, when jurors delivered their guilty verdict.

The investigation began on October 12, 2021, when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a call for service in reference to a deceased man, later identified as 26-year-old Marcus Lane II.

An MCSO Major Crimes detective responded to investigate the victim’s death. The sheriff’s office stated in a press release that evidence found at the scene, which included a plastic bag containing pills that was located near the victim, suggested the victim died from a drug overdose.

On November 30, 2021, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the victim died as a result of fentanyl and ethanol toxicity.

The MCSO detective continued the investigation and obtained records of text messages that were sent between the victim and Rosado. Those text messages discussed the sale of drugs on the day of the victim’s death.

In addition, video surveillance footage and witness accounts indicated that Rosado drove to the victim’s home and provided him with drugs a few hours prior to the victim’s death, according to MCSO.

Based on the evidence that was gathered, Rosado was located on January 6, 2022, and he was placed under arrest. Later that year, on August 25, Rosado was indicted by a grand jury on a first-degree murder charge.

Rosado was arrested again following his indictment, and he was held at Marion County Jail without bond until his trial.

Following his conviction on July 31, 2024, Rosado was sentenced by Marion County Judge Timothy T. McCourt to life in prison.

“This conviction underscores the commitment of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and our office to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs and seek justice for victims and their families,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt.