A young college student who moved from Brazil to New York City to pursue her dreams of a career in fashion died after prosecutors say a man deliberately gave her fentanyl disguised as cocaine and sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious inside her dorm room.
Annabel Richter, 21, was studying at Manhattan’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) when the March 18 incident left her fighting for her life. She never regained consciousness and died three days later.
Now, two New York men are facing serious federal charges in a case that has shocked the college community and devastated Richter’s family.
On October 15, federal prosecutors announced an updated indictment against Moises Freire, 19, of the Bronx, and Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, of Queens, accusing them of participating in a fentanyl distribution scheme that killed Richter and nearly claimed the life of her roommate.
According to the indictment, Freire visited the women’s Manhattan dorm room on March 18 carrying a substance he claimed was pure cocaine.
Investigators say he knew the drug was dangerous. In earlier conversations, Freire had allegedly described it as fake and poisonous, yet prosecutors say he encouraged both women to take it.
Neither student knew the substance contained fentanyl, according to the allegations.
Both women lost consciousness almost immediately.
What prosecutors allege happened next has become a central part of the criminal case.
Rather than calling for medical assistance, Freire allegedly sexually assaulted Richter while she was incapacitated. Her roommate remained unconscious nearby.
Investigators say Freire then waited approximately 45 minutes before seeking help, sending photographs of the unconscious women to other people during that time.
When he finally contacted campus security, prosecutors allege he initially claimed that the students had simply consumed too much alcohol.
Campus security personnel responded and administered emergency aid, including naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Both women were rushed to Manhattan hospitals.
Richter remained in critical condition and died March 21 from complications of acute fentanyl intoxication. Her roommate survived after receiving lifesaving treatment.
Toxicology testing later confirmed that both women had ingested fentanyl, with no cocaine detected.
Federal investigators say the events were connected to a drug distribution conspiracy involving Freire and Peralta Cabrera that began at least a month before the incident.
According to prosecutors, Freire had discussed obtaining powerful narcotics for the women, allegedly expressing interest in drugs that would keep them intoxicated for an extended period and potentially cause addiction.
Peralta Cabrera is accused of supplying the fentanyl despite knowing Freire intended to provide drugs to the students.
The updated indictment charges both men with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
Freire also faces charges of distributing a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, as well as distributing drugs with the intent to commit rape.
The charges involving distribution resulting in death carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years and a potential maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.
A third man, Harry Rosales Pino, has already pleaded guilty to a narcotics-related charge connected to the case and is awaiting sentencing.
For Richter’s loved ones, the criminal proceedings cannot undo the loss of a young woman whose future once seemed full of possibilities.
A friend of her grandmother described Richter as bright, kind and determined to make something of herself in the fashion industry.
“She wanted to go to New York,” Christina Perez told The New York Post, recalling how the young woman’s ambition had taken her thousands of miles from her family in Brazil.
Perez said she had worried about Richter living so far from home without relatives nearby.
Following her death, family members gathered in Oregon for a memorial service. Perez described Richter’s grandmother, Virginia “Gini” Richter, as overwhelmed by grief.
The case has also prompted a response from FIT, where students and faculty have been struggling to come to terms with what allegedly occurred inside a campus residence hall.
FIT President Jason Schupbach said the updated charges underscored the seriousness of the tragedy and the importance of accountability.
The college is working with faculty, staff and student leaders to organize discussions and provide support for members of the campus community.
Federal officials have also emphasized the broader dangers posed by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be deadly in extremely small amounts and is sometimes mixed into drugs without users’ knowledge.
