Moises Freire, a 19‑year‑old from New York, was arrested on March 18 after allegedly giving two FIT students a fentanyl dose disguised as cocaine in the Chelsea dormitory. The drug, reportedly sourced from Mexico, incapacitated Annabel Richter and her roommate, who were later taken to the hospital after losing consciousness. Freire allegedly waited 45 minutes before calling for help and sent photos of the unconscious victims to friends, one of which showed Richter exposed below the waist.
Annabel Richter never regained consciousness and died on March 21, while the roommate was treated for acute fentanyl intoxication and later discharged. Emergency responders administered Narcan before transport.
Prosecutors charge Freire with distributing a controlled substance with intent to commit rape, as well as conspiracy and other narcotics offenses. He is held without bail, with a trial slated for March 2027 and an arraignment on October 28 on upgraded charges.
Ariana Bloom, Manhattan U.S. Attorney, questioned Freire’s claim that the women had overdosed on alcohol, noting that the security guard’s body‑cam footage showed him sober and coherent. The prosecution maintains he was aware of the victim’s unconscious state.
Richter’s mother, Flavia Rocha, described her daughter as a vibrant lover of music and art, saying the case should spotlight violence against women. The case underscores the growing threat of fentanyl on college campuses.
Two other men, Brian Peralta Cabrera and Harry Rosales Pino, face related charges, with Pino pleading guilty to distributing narcotics resulting in death. The investigation continues as authorities seek to hold all involved accountable.