A family dispute over inheritance money ended in tragedy in San Jose, California, where a 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing his mother with fentanyl.
Bradley Dexter pleaded no contest to first-degree murder in connection with the death of his 72-year-old mother, Kathleen Dexter, who was found dead at her home on June 6, 2023. Prosecutors said he put a fatal amount of fentanyl in her oat milk and wine during a period of conflict over money.
The case took more than three years to reach its latest chapter. During that time, investigators uncovered evidence that pointed to deliberate poisoning, while relatives described a troubled relationship shaped by arguments, alleged threats and concerns about finances.
Dexter received his sentence on October 21, 2026. He was also credited for time already served in custody and is expected to become eligible for parole after approximately 18 years.
Investigators Uncovered Two Alleged Poisoning Attempts
Kathleen Dexter’s death initially raised questions after her family found her unresponsive at home.
Her grandson, who discovered her, told investigators that she had been vomiting for three days before her death. According to the account provided to police, she had not experienced major medical problems before that period.
An autopsy later detected fentanyl in her system. Because Kathleen had not been prescribed the drug, investigators suspected that her death was not accidental.
The investigation took a significant turn in September 2023, when police questioned Bradley Dexter in connection with a separate alleged assault involving his father.
During that interrogation, Dexter reportedly admitted that he had put fentanyl in his mother’s oat milk on the day of his son’s high school graduation. According to the police account, Kathleen survived that incident.
Investigators said Dexter later added fentanyl to her wine. That second poisoning proved fatal.
The revelations helped investigators piece together what had happened before Kathleen’s death and led to criminal proceedings against her son.
A Dispute Over Inheritance Money
Family members told investigators that Kathleen and Bradley had argued over inheritance money. According to relatives, Bradley believed he was entitled to more money following the death of his grandparents in 2018.
Some family members also suspected that he had been taking his mother’s Social Security money, although those suspicions were separate from the murder conviction.
Relatives further told investigators that Bradley had threatened to kill his mother before her death.
The financial dispute became a central part of the case because it provided context for the strained relationship between mother and son. However, accounts of Bradley’s reasons for killing Kathleen varied during the investigation and subsequent proceedings.
Kathleen’s loved ones also described a mother who continued trying to support her son despite his difficulties.
According to family members and friends, Bradley struggled with drug addiction, but Kathleen continued to give him opportunities to turn his life around. Her willingness to keep helping him made the circumstances of her death especially painful for those who knew her.
Family Members Remember Kathleen’s Efforts to Help Her Son
Kathleen’s sister, Pamela Endsley, spoke publicly about the case and the different explanations Bradley reportedly gave for his actions.
At one point, he allegedly described his mother as a “sinner.” That statement differed from the inheritance-related conflict described by relatives.
The varying explanations added another layer of distress for the family, who were left trying to understand how a dispute within their household ended in a fatal crime.
Friends and relatives also recalled Kathleen’s continued concern for Bradley despite his struggles. Their accounts portrayed a mother who had not given up on her son, even as the relationship became increasingly difficult.
For the family, the case was not simply about the loss of Kathleen. It was also about coming to terms with the fact that the person responsible was her own child.
Dexter Apologized Before Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, Dexter spoke about his history of drug addiction and personal difficulties.
He told the court that he had spent three years in jail confronting his addiction and what he described as painful experiences from his childhood. He also said he had been experiencing a mental health crisis and believed he was in a state of psychosis when he killed his mother.
Dexter expressed regret for what happened and apologized to his family.
“I’m very sorry for what happened. Not a day goes by that I don’t regret my actions,” he told the court.
He also said he loved his mother and wished he could bring her back.
His statement offered the court his account of his condition at the time of the crime, but it did not change the outcome of the murder case. The judge sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison after his no-contest plea.
What a No-Contest Plea Means
Dexter’s plea of no contest allowed the case to proceed to sentencing without a trial in which a jury would determine guilt.
In California, a no-contest plea generally means a defendant does not contest the criminal charge and can be sentenced in the same manner as a defendant who pleads guilty. It is not the same as a not-guilty plea, and it allows the court to move forward with the criminal case.
The sentence of 25 years to life means Dexter must serve the applicable minimum term before he can be considered for parole. Eligibility does not guarantee release; a parole decision depends on the applicable legal process and review.
He also received credit for time he had already spent in custody, reducing the additional time he may need to serve before reaching parole eligibility.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically to treat severe pain, but exposure to a dangerous amount can cause a fatal overdose. It affects the body’s ability to regulate breathing and can lead to unconsciousness and death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose, including one involving fentanyl, when administered in time. Suspected overdoses require immediate emergency medical assistance.
In Kathleen Dexter’s case, however, investigators did not describe an accidental exposure. The prosecution centered on allegations that fentanyl was deliberately placed in drinks consumed by someone who had not been prescribed the medication.
The distinction was critical to the case, which ultimately resulted in a first-degree murder conviction following Dexter’s plea.
A Case That Leaves a Family With Lasting Questions
Kathleen Dexter’s death brought an end to her life but not to the pain experienced by those closest to her. Relatives were left mourning a woman they said had continued to care for her son despite his struggles.
The investigation exposed a combination of family conflict, addiction and alleged threats that preceded the fatal poisoning. It also showed how investigators used medical findings, family interviews and statements made during a later police interrogation to build the case.
Dexter’s sentence marks a major legal milestone, but it cannot undo the loss experienced by Kathleen’s family.
For those who knew her, the case remains a devastating reminder of how a conflict over money can become something far more serious when threats and violence enter a family relationship.
