A Woodstock man and a McHenry man were both charged Wednesday in connection with an overdose death of a McHenry man over the summer, police said.
Christopher L. Birong, 45, of the 2100 block of Willow Brook Drive in Woodstock, and Timothy R. Colby, 43, of the 1500 block of West May Avenue in McHenry, were both charged with three counts of drug-induced homicide and three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
On July 10, Shawn A. Akerman, 43, of McHenry, was found dead after overdosing in the 3100 block of Lincoln Road in McHenry. Paramedics found Akerman dead at the scene after he had overdosed on a heroin and fentanyl combination, autopsy results showed.
The McHenry Police Department, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, McHenry County Coroner’s Office and the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office conducted an investigation into Akerman’s death, which led to the arrests of Birong and Colby on Wednesday.
The two men were taken into custody without incident in McHenry.
“Probable cause was established to show that both Timothy Colby and Christopher Birong unlawfully delivered the drugs that attributed to the victim’s death,” McHenry Police Chief John Birk said.
“The McHenry Police Department is actively involved in combating the opioid crisis that is affecting our County, State and Nation. The McHenry Police wants everyone to know that all those who engage in the illegal delivery of controlled substances will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Birk added.
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is asked to call the McHenry Police Department at 815-363-2599.