Austin woman sentenced to 9 years in prison for drug sale murder convictions

By KAALTV

(ABC 6 News) – An Austin woman will serve 110 months, or about 9 years in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee after being convicted of two 3rd-degree murders.

Yashica Shenay Thomas, 43, was charged with 3rd-degree murder–drugs, 2nd-degree manslaughter–culpable negligence, and 2nd-degree drug sale in September 2022, after an Austin man fatally overdosed on drugs Thomas allegedly sold him in March of that year.

She was charged again with murder, manslaughter, and drug sales in January of 2023, after an Austin woman’s overdose in May was connected to her as well.

Thomas pleaded guilty to both counts of 3rd-degree murder in January, in exchange for concurrent sentences.

Thomas received the 110-month sentence for the 2022 charges, and an additional sentence of 86 months for the 2023 charges.
However, as the sentences are concurrent, she will spend a total of 110 months in prison with credit for 191 days spent in the Austin jail.

Thomas was also ordered to pay $660 in fines and court fees per case.

(ABC 6 News) – An Austin woman will face sentencing for two charges each of 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter related to fentanyl sales, as well as various drug charges, after waiving her trials for three cases.

She was charged again with murder, manslaughter, and drug sales in January of 2023, after an Austin woman’s overdose in May was connected to her as well.

Thomas also faces four additional drug sale charges dating back to August of 2022.

According to Minnesota court records, Thomas waived all trials Thursday, Jan. 26.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of 3rd-degree murder, according to her petition to plead guilty, and will move for concurrent sentences for the two counts.

All other charges, according to her plea deal, will be dismissed.

Thomas’ sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2023.

ABC 6 News will update this article as more information is available.