Annabel Richter, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan, has died following acute fentanyl intoxication after an incident in her campus residence hall, according to a report published by ABC7 New York on October 16, 2026. Her death has prompted serious concerns about drug-related harm, student safety, and allegations of sexual violence on college campuses.
According to a newly unsealed federal indictment described in the report, Moises Freire, 19, allegedly brought a substance containing fentanyl to the residence hall on March 18. Prosecutors allege that he obtained the substance from Brian Peralta, 18, and falsely represented it to two female students as pure cocaine.
Authorities said both women lost consciousness shortly after ingesting the substance. While Richter was incapacitated, Freire allegedly sexually assaulted her and took photographs that he subsequently sent to friends, according to the indictment.
Investigators further allege that Freire waited approximately 45 minutes before contacting campus security. He reportedly told security personnel that the women had consumed too much alcohol. Responders administered emergency assistance, including Narcan, before both students were transported to Manhattan hospitals.
Toxicology results later confirmed that the women had ingested fentanyl and no cocaine, according to the report. The second student survived after receiving life-saving treatment, while Richter remained in critical condition and ultimately died from complications of acute fentanyl intoxication.
Federal prosecutors described the allegations as involving both the fatal distribution of a dangerous controlled substance and the alleged sexual assault of a person rendered unconscious. Officials said they intended to pursue accountability through the federal justice system.
Freire and Peralta, both identified as residents of Queens, face federal charges of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. Freire also faces a charge involving the alleged distribution of a controlled substance with intent to commit rape. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Richter’s death represents a devastating loss and has renewed attention to the dangers of fentanyl exposure, particularly when a substance is misrepresented. Additional information about her age, family, background, and funeral arrangements was not included in the supplied report.
