Prosecutor: Chicago man supplied illegal narcotics that killed Naperville man

DUPAGE COUNTY – A Chicago man remains in custody pending trial for allegedly supplying illegal narcotics to a Naperville man who died of an overdose in 2023.

Prosecutors said the victim arranged for the delivery of illegal narcotics from Christopher Hobson, 38, on February 20, 2023. The next day, an unidentified third person delivered the drugs to the victim at Hobson’s direction.

The 33-year-old victim took the drugs and died of an overdose.

The victim was found unconscious in his home on February 22. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was combined drug intoxication with fentanyl, alprazolam, phenobarbital and fluoxetine.

Investigators found numerous bags of illegal drugs in the victim’s home. Upon further investigation, Hobson was identified as the person who allegedly supplied the drugs.

“The victim’s tragic death is another horrific reminder of the extreme danger that illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, continue to pose in our communities,” said DuPage County District Attorney Robert Berlin. “Losing someone close to you is hard enough, but losing a beloved family member so suddenly and needlessly can have a crippling, long-lasting impact not only on immediate family, but on surviving friends and relatives. I wish strength to all who knew and loved the victim as they must now rely on each other to keep their memories of him alive. To those who sell this poison, today’s charges send a clear message: If you sell deadly drugs that cause the death of another person, you will be identified, charged, prosecuted, and, if found guilty, face up to 30 years in prison.”

Hobson was arrested on July 17, 2024 and charged with three counts of drug-related manslaughter (Class X felony), one count of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony), and one count of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance (Class 3 felony).

He is due to appear in court again on August 12.