Joliet Boy's Death, Heroin From Wilmington Man, 36, Caused His Death: Prosecutors

WILMINGTON, IL — Robert Delacruz, a 36-year-old Wilmington man, was released from the Will County Jail on Thursday, one day after Wilmington police arrested him in connection with last June's death of a 14-year-old Joliet Laraway student who died in the house in the 400 block of Fulton Street. The criminal complaint, just filed by the Will County State's Attorney's Office, has charged Delacruz with two counts of endangering the life or safety of a child.

The complaint indicates that on June 3, Delacruz left heroin accessible to C.S., a child under the age of 18 years old, and the boy ingested the heroin, and the illegal drug was the cause of his death.

Last June, Joliet Patch published the following obituary in the aftermath of the teenage boy's tragedy:

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, nephew and cousin. Christopher P. Sjostrom passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 14 years. Christopher just graduated eighth grade as part of the Class of 2025 at Laraway School of Joliet.

"Born in Joliet, IL the beloved son of Andrew Sjostrom, Amy Tucker and Brittany Delacruz; Loving brother of Amelia Bryant and Joel Jr. Bryant; Dear grandson of Joseph Toth, Linda Beha, Christine Tucker and Terry Sjostrom; Fond Great Grandson of Edward (the late Frieda) Beha and Betty Sjostrom. Also left to mourn his passing are numerous aunts, uncles and cousins."

Last June, Plainfield Police Commander Kevin McQuaid of the Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force confirmed for Joliet Patch that investigators were helping the Wilmington Police Department investigate the circumstances of the weekday death of the 14-year-old boy in Wilmington.

Wilmington police said that at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers were called to a house on Fulton Street to assist the Wilmington Fire Protection District with a 14-year-old boy who was not breathing. Though CPR was conducted by family in the residence, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency crews arrived.

"Due to the circumstances surrounding the death, the Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force was contacted for additional resources to assist us in this ongoing investigation. There is no threat to the public, but a police presence will remain on Fulton St. for some time as the investigation continues," Wilmington police advised at the time.