GEORGETOWN – A death from illicit fentanyl robbed the world of an “amazing” parent full of life, the victim’s mother said during a press conference at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Anita Anders, fighting back tears, spoke lovingly of her daughter Jensen “Grace” Anders, 30, whose body was found March 15, 2025, at a residence on CR 433 in Thrall.
Sheriff Matt Lindemann called the news conference Wednesday, March 25, to highlight the March 19 arrest of Garrett Wise, 33, who has been charged with murder under a relatively new statute that makes fentanyl overdose deaths a first-degree felony, punishable upon conviction by five to 99 years behind bars.
Wise remained Wednesday in the Williamson County Jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond, according to court records. At the time of his arrest last week, deputies located suspected fentanyl, according to law officers.
Jensen Anders was full of life, according to her mother, Anita Anders.
“We were very close and did things together,” Anders said. “She was an amazing daughter, and an amazing mother to her son. He was always on her hip.”
In addition to Anders, other members of Angel Moms and Dads – an advocacy group for family members who lost loved ones because of illicit fentanyl — also spoke.
Anders described her late daughter by her nickname “Grace,” a humorous allusion to her offspring’s athletic career.
“(Jensen) was involved in a lot of beauty pageants,” her mother said. “She also played softball and volleyball and ran track. We called her ‘Grace’ because she broke multiple bones while participating in those activities.”
Lindemann said the 12-month probe led investigators to a man suspected of being involved in the distribution of the fentanyl that caused Jensen Anders’ death.
The U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force contributed to the investigation and arrest, officials said.
Texas House Bill 6, which went into effect in September 2023, creates a murder charge for deaths related to illicit fentanyl.
To see more on this story, check out the Taylor Press edition for March 29.
