A North Texas grand jury has returned a four-count indictment in connection witth the death of the grandson of Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens.
A spokeswoman for Tarrant County prosecutors says Brennan Trainor Rodriguez was indicted for felony murder, manslaughter, tampering with evidence and delivering a controlled substance. The charges are in connection with the Jan. 29 death of 21-year-old Ty Pickens.
Felony murder is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison; manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison; tampering with evidence is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; and delivering a controlled substance that results in death is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The Tarrant County medical exmainer said in April that Pickens' Jan. 29 death was accidental and caused by heroin intoxication.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Rodriguez's cousin told police that he saw Rodriguez "shoot up" Pickens with heroin the day before. Rodriguez is also accused of hiding drugs and syringes after Pickens' death.
Rodriguez's attorney, Bruce Ashworth, declined to comment.
Pickens family spokesman Jay Rosser said the family was grateful that the grand jury "has taken the first step in holding Brennan Rodriguez responsible" for Pickens' death.
