4 Charged With Drug-Induced Homicide in Overdose Death of Woman, 21

KANE COUNTY, IL - Four men accused of providing a former Batavia woman with the narcotics that lead to her overdose death in February have been charged with drug-induced homicide, authorities said.

The four men, all from St. Charles and Batavia, helped to provide the illegal narcotics to Ashley M. Mastel, 21, on Feb. 20, prosecutors said Friday. Mastel was found dead in her home in unincorporated Sugar Grove Township the next day, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office news release.

Authorities determined that her death was the result of fentanyl intoxication. Fentanyl is an opioid pain medication that often is added to heroin as a cutting agent, according to prosecutors.

The four charged in drug overdose case appeared in bond court Friday morning. Those charged with drug-induced homicide are:

• Johnny L. William, 56, of the 1200 block of Indiana Avenue in St. Charles. His bail was set at $150,000 bail. he is next expected in court on March 31.
• Neal R. Crowder, 26, of the 1400 block of Fagan Court in Batavia. His bail was set at $100,000. He is next expected in court on March 24
• Joseph Tortorella, 26, of the 1500 block of Haines Drive in Batavia. His bail was set at $20,000. He is next expected in court n April 7.
• Eric P. Anthony, 21, of the 3500 block of Voltaire Lane in St. Charles. His bail was set at $50,000 bail. He is next expected in court on April 6.

If convicted, each faces a sentence of between six and 30 years in prison.

Mastel attended Batavia High School and was enrolled at Waubonsee Community College at the time of her death, according to her obituary. She loved her job working with children and adults with special needs at Fox Valley Special Recreation Association and also enjoyed volunteering at Marklund.

PHOTO CAPTION: Top left, Neal Crowder; top right, Eric Anthony; bottom left, Joseph Tortella; and bottom right, Johnny Williams. Photo credit: Kane County State's Attorney's Office