Ex-Con Found Dead Outside Dollar Store Was Killed By Drug Overdose: Coroner

JOLIET, IL — The New Lenox man found dead and slumped over the back seat of a compact car parked outside a Joliet dollar store was killed by a drug overdose, toxicological testing revealed.

Justin Ruch, 35, died from heroin and cocaine intoxication, according to Will County Coroner Patrick O’Neil’s office. Ruch’s death was ruled an accident “based on his history” of drug use, an official said.

Ruch’s body was discovered April 4 in a Chevy Cobalt outside the Dollar General on West Jefferson Street. He was identified by his tattoos, police said at the time.

A police source said fresh puncture wounds were present on Ruch’s left hand.

The Joliet police did not respond when asked Monday if a drug-induced homicide investigation was pending in connection with Ruch’s death.

Ruch was released from prison in July 2014. He had been sentenced to a year behind bars for a felony domestic battery conviction.

Ruch was let out of Stateville with time served on the same day he was admitted to the prison, according to Department of Corrections records.

Ruch was arrested in January 2014 on charges of home invasion, unlawful restraint, aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery for allegedly breaking down the door to his girlfriend's home and savagely attacking her.

He bonded out of jail eight days after his arrest but within a week was locked up again for allegedly stalking the same woman and damaging her property.

Prosecutors dismissed all the charges except for the felony domestic battery. He was found guilty following a trial.