Legal developments in two separate US manslaughter cases

In Las Vegas, Heidi Warner, 25, has been sentenced to three to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The charge stems from the February 2024 death of Seneca Highley, who died from a fentanyl overdose. Warner admitted to selling Highley fentanyl pills, though her defense argued she believed she was providing Percocet. Warner expressed regret during her sentencing and noted her efforts toward rehabilitation, including enrollment in college and therapy.

In Huntington, New York, Ronald Schroeder, 43, has rejected a plea offer to serve 22 years in prison. Schroeder is accused of killing Seikeya Jones, whose body was discovered in a suitcase near his apartment in September 2024. Prosecutors allege Schroeder sexually assaulted Jones using GHB and caused her death by falling asleep on her while she was unconscious. Schroeder’s defense rejected the deal because it required admitting to criminal sex act charges. If convicted at trial, Schroeder faces up to 25 years for the sex act charges and up to 15 years for manslaughter.