Local Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder
ROSEVILLE, CA — “On April 20, the Honorable Judge Gazzaniga sentenced Brandon Wayne Garner, 44, to 15 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the murder of local resident Michael Ucovich through the sale of deadly fentanyl.
On July 2, 2023, the Rocklin Police Department responded to a residence where the victim was found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased. The cause of death was determined to be acute fentanyl intoxication. Investigation revealed that 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 that the defendant was engaged in ongoing drug trafficking activity, receiving over $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 that 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. A father shared that not a day goes by without thinking of his son, underscoring the lasting trauma caused by this preventable loss.
This case comes at the start of Crime Victims’ 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 this 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 advisement on record.
“Our office will never stop fighting for victims to the fullest extent the law allows,” said 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 will be honored this week at the DA’s Annual Victims + Survivors Brunch with a victim poster displayed during the ceremony.”
