Richmond Man Admits Role in Son’s Drug-Related Death and Witness Tampering

From State’s Attorney Randi Freese, who personally prosecuted the case:

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office announces that on January 3, 2025, Eric C. Ullrich, 52, of Richmond, plead guilty to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Communicating with a Witness before the Honorable Judge Justin Hansen. 

The sentencing hearing will be scheduled before the Honorable Judge Christopher Harmon.  

On January 3, 2024, the Richmond Fire Department responded to a call of an unresponsive minor, where emergency personnel attempted lifesaving efforts. 

The minor was later pronounced dead at Northwestern Hospital McHenry. 

A toxicology performed on the minor revealed his cause of death was the adverse effects of fentanyl and xylazine. 

An investigation into the minor’s death by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office revealed several full and used bags of narcotics containing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout the residence. 

Ullrich, the minor’s father and primary legal and medical caretaker, was present in the home and aware of his son’s overdose event. 

Ullrich consciously chose not to obtain or provide medical treatment for his child during the overdose event and did not call 911 until Ullrich woke up the next morning, over 10 hours later. 

During the investigation, Ullrich consistently provided false information to investigating officers surrounding the death of his son.   

Medical personnel subsequently opined that the minor would have survived if he had received medical attention during the overdose event. 

Involuntary Manslaughter is a Class 2 felony, for which Ullrich would face between three and fourteen years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if sentenced to prison.  

Communicating with a Witness is a Class 3 felony, that carries a term between two and five years if sentenced to prison. 

If sentenced to prison, Ullrich could face serving the terms consecutively. 

Parents have not only a moral duty, but a legal duty to protect and care for their children. 

This senseless and tragic death of a 14-year-old was entirely preventable had medical treatment been sought for this child.  

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office continues to remain committed to the prosecution of all those involved in drug-related deaths that occur in our communities, especially those involving the most vulnerable – our children.

This case was successfully prosecuted by McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese accompanied by Chief of Staff Ashley Romito and Special Prosecutor William Bruce. 

The State’s Attorney’s Office commends the diligent efforts of members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office in their thorough investigation into this minor’s death.