Mom Who Could've Prevented Son's Overdose Death Sentenced To Prison: Prosecutors

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A 46-year-old McHenry County woman has been sentenced to prison time for not taking steps to prevent the fentanyl overdose death of her teenage son.

• Woman Charged In Connection With Death Of McHenry County Boy

Cara Ullrich was sentenced to 14 years in prison during a hearing last week in McHenry Court Circuit Court. Ullrich was convicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with her son's death in January 2024.

During the sentencing hearing, several officers from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office testified and shared information gathered during their investigation into the death of Ullrich's 14-year-old son, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

The Richmond Fire Department responded to a call for an unresponsive minor on Jan. 3, 2024, at a home in the 9600 block of Hallandale Lane in unincorporated Richmond Township. The boy was taken to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry, where he was pronounced dead.

A toxicology test performed on the blood of the minor showed his cause of death was adverse effects of fentanyl and xylazine a veterinary sedative, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

Body-worn cameras from the officers responding to Ullrich's home showed bags of narcotics containing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and assorted narcotics paraphernalia strewn throughout the residence. Police also gathered evidence that showed Ullrich was home and was aware of her son’s overdose event, according to the news release.

Ullrich chose not to provide medical treatment for her child during the overdose and did not call 911, according to prosecutors. During the investigation, Ullrich also consistently provided false information to officers regarding the circumstances of her son’s death.

Steven Ask, an emergency physician and medical toxicologist in Cook County, said the teen could have easily been treated and would have survived if he had received medical attention during the overdose event.

“The death of a child is tragic for not just the family, but our whole community. My office will continue to work tirelessly to combat drug sales, use, and distribution in our county so that we don’t have to lose anyone, especially our children, to such an awful outcome,” McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese said.