Kendall Landsen was sentenced today to 20 years to the Colorado Department of Corrections, followed by three years of parole for distributing fentanyl which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old man in November 2023. The 8^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office secured Landsen’s guilty plea to Fentanyl Distribution Causing Death, a Class 1 Drug Felony on June 26, 2024.  

On November 15^th, 2023, Fort Collins Police Services responded to a male who had overdosed in his closet and was found by his roommates. An investigation began to discover how the victim obtained the drugs that ended his life. Evidence was found that Ms. Landsen had sold the victim fentanyl several times before and had sold him the lethal dose the night before his death. 

The prosecution team was led by Deputy District Attorney and Major Case Prosecutor, Lynzi Maas. Maas’ position was created in 2022 through a grant from the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners, in part, to allocate resources to narcotics prosecution in our community.

During sentencing, members of the victim's family spoke and shared photos of the victim for the court to review. 

“Fentanyl ruins lives everywhere,” DDA Maas stated. “It took this victim’s life and ruined his family's. It likely has impacted Ms. Landsen's life as well.” 

“We hope that this sentence will allow Ms. Landsen the opportunity to change her ways and following her coming back into our community, not contribute to the pain and death that fentanyl is inflicting throughout our region.” 

When sentencing Ms. Landsen, Chief Judge Susan Blanco spoke of the far-reaching impacts of a case like this. “Nothing can bring the victim back to us and repair all the harm caused,” said Blanco. “This is a significant sentence because this was a significant loss.” 

The 8^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Larimer County law enforcement agencies have put significant resources into finding justice for victims of fentanyl-related overdoses and their families. Fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise in our community and the Larimer County inter-agency collaboration has allowed for a higher level of dedication in targeting the dealers responsible for killing members of our communities. This collaborative model has served as a model for positive partnerships for districts around the state. 

The District Attorney’s Office extends our sincere appreciation to the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF), Fort Collins Police Services, and the Larimer County Coroner’s Office for their roles in the investigation. 

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” said DA McLaughlin, “I share the family’s sentiment that I hope their son’s death can lead to some good – that it will both deter distribution of this poison and serve to educate others as to its truly lethal nature.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available:

SummitStone Health Partners: 970-494-4200

Colorado Opioid Synergy Larimer & Weld (CO-SLAW): 1-844-944-7529

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-487-4889

Connect Effect Colorado: www.connecteffectc.org/parents