Man Arrested for Fentanyl-Related Murder, Additional Narcotics Charge

DENTON, TX, July 14, 2025 - The Denton Police Department has arrested a Krum man for Murder and an additional narcotics charge following an investigation into a fatal fentanyl overdose.

On Dec. 3, 2024, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of N. Wood Street after a man was found unresponsive in his home. The man, later identified as 64-year-old Mark Saltsman, was pronounced deceased on scene.

During the investigation, detectives discovered evidence that 45-year-old George Howard Cook II had sold narcotics containing fentanyl to Saltsman before he died.

In June, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Saltsman's cause of death as "mixed drug toxicity (heroin and fentanyl) with diabetic ketoacidosis." After the ruling, detectives secured a Murder arrest warrant for Cook.

Detectives arrested Cook at his home on Monday. At the time of his arrest, Cook was in possession of a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamines, resulting in a second-degree felony charge of Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1/1-B >=4G<200G.

Cook is currently in the City of Denton Jail with bond not yet determined.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, local resources are available:

Recovery Resource Council is a Joint Commission-accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering comprehensive drug prevention education; outreach, screening, and referral; outpatient treatment, recovery support, and essential resources for youth and families. Contact: (817) 332-6329, https://recoverycouncil.org

Winning the Fight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides drug education, support, and necessary resources to youth and families, including free naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, training, and support groups. Contact: (972) 467-7704, www.wtf-winningthefight.org

###