Man Charged With Drug-Induced Homicide In Fatal Cocaine Overdose

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A 70-year-old Wauconda man has been charged with drug-induced homicide in connection with the fatal cocaine overdose of a McHenry County man last December, authorities said.

David W. Johnson was ordered detained pending trial after being charged with drug-induced homicide, a Class X felony, and delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony, according to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

Judge Mary Nader granted prosecutors' petition to deny Johnson pretrial release during his initial court appearance on Saturday, Oct. 31.

According to evidence presented during the detention hearing, the victim died Dec. 19, 2025, after ingesting cocaine he allegedly obtained from Johnson two days earlier.

A toxicology report determined the man died from cocaine toxicity, prosecutors said.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office investigated the death, examining the victim's cell phone records and uncovering evidence that allegedly identified Johnson as the person who supplied the cocaine, according to authorities.

“McHenry County has become a statewide leader in prosecuting drug-induced homicides because we refuse to let those who peddle poison escape responsibility for the lives they destroy,” McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese said in a statement.

“Every prosecution sends a powerful warning: Dealing deadly drugs in our community carries consequences far beyond a drug charge.”

Freese credited the McHenry County Sheriff's Office for its investigation, particularly detectives' examination of electronic evidence that helped identify the alleged source of the cocaine.

Johnson's next court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, in Courtroom 302.