GAYLORD — A 27-year-old Arlington man was sentenced April 17 in Sibley County Court for a felony third-degree murder overdose case connected to the death of Jose Roberto Cardenas Jr., 26 of Winthrop in May 2023.

The court stayed execution of an 86-month prison sentence and placed Erick Lee Alvarado on up to five years supervised probation with conditions that he serve 364 days in the Sibley County Jail, complete a comprehensive assessment within 60 days and follow all recommendations.

Alvarado pleaded guilty to felony third-degree murder in February. Third-degree murder is defined as causing a death without intent by directly or indirectly providing an individual an illegal controlled substance.

An autopsy determined fentanyl was the cause of Cardenas Jr.’s death, according to the complaint.

About 70% of fatal overdoses in Minnesota involve fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Fentanyl is a powerful narcotic pain medication that can cause loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, coma, severe respiratory depression (slow, ineffective breathing), and death. Fentanyl was previously only available as a prescription drug, but has become more commonly available for illegal purchase, according to the complaint.

For five months after the Cardenas’ death, Winthrop Police conducted an extensive investigation involving examination of a phone, Facebook, Snapchat and other electronic records involving Cardenas, Alvarado and others.

On May 19, 2023, Cardenas Jr. asked Alvarado to get him some M30s, a percocet-type pill frequently laced with fentanyl. Alvardo indicated he could get M30s for $3 a pill. It was determined that Alvarado would get seven pills, keep two for himself, and give Cardenas Jr. five pills.

The next day, Alvarado told Cardenas Jr. to pick up the pills in the gas cap compartment of his vehicle, outside his Nicollet residence. Cell phone data showed Cardenas Jr. was at Alvarado’s residence at 6:08 p.m. May 20. Twelve hours later, Cardenas Jr. was found dead with 4 ½ M30 pills, according to the complaint.