Fentanyl dealer receives life in prison for local resident's murder

Judge Gazzaniga on Monday sentenced Brandon Wayne Garner, 44, to 15 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the murder of a local resident through the sale of deadly fentanyl. On July 2, 2023, the Rocklin Police Department responded to a residence where the victim, Michael Ucovich, was found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased. The cause of death was determined to be acute fentanyl intoxication. Investigation revealed the defendant sold the victim fentanyl just hours before his death, arranging the transaction through text messages. As a result of the investigation conducted by the Placer County Special Investigations Unit, supported by the Rocklin Police Department, the Placer County District Attorney's Office charged Garner with second-degree murder and several drug sales charges. The case was subsequently investigated by the Placer County Sheriff's Office's Opioid Response Team. Further investigation uncovered the defendant was engaged in ongoing drug-trafficking activity, receiving more than $117,000 in payments consistent with narcotics sales over a nine-month period. Evidence also showed the defendant was fully aware of the deadly nature of fentanyl yet continued to distribute it, demonstrating a callous disregard for human life. The defendant even stated that he "kept Narcan on him at all times," showing he knew the deadliness of the poison he was peddling. The loss has had a devastating and lasting impact on the victim's family. In victim impact statements, loved ones described profound grief, emotional strain, and the permanent void left by the victim's death. Ucovich's father shared, "Not a day goes by without thinking of my son, underscoring the lasting trauma caused by this preventable loss." This case update comes at the start of Crime Victim's Rights Week, a time to recognize the voices of victims and reaffirm a commitment to justice. Cases like this serve as a reminder that behind every prosecution is a family forever changed by loss. The defendant appeared in Placer County Superior Court Monday morning for the sentencing. Senior Deputy District Attorney Devan Portillo of the Placer County District Attorney's Office Special Prosecutions Unit represented the people of Placer County, supported by the Placer County Sheriff's Office's dedicated detective to their Opioid Response Team. Senior DDA Portillo read Garner a fentanyl advisory on record. "Our office will never stop fighting for victims to the fullest extent the law allows," Senior Deputy District Attorney Devan Portillo of the Special Prosecutions Unit. "This case represents the devastating consequences of fentanyl in our communities and the importance of holding those who distribute it fully accountable." Michael Ucovich will be honored this week at the DA's Annual Victims and Survivors Brunch with a victim poster displayed during the ceremony. Learn more about the brunch here: https://placerjusticefoundation.org/event/2026victimbrunch/