Court Grants State's Motion to Deny Pre-Trial Release for Chicago Man Charged with Drug Induced Homicide

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man charged with supplying a fatal dose of fentanyl and alprazolam to a thirty-three-year-old man from Naperville, in February, 2023. Christopher Hobson, 38 (d.o.b. 5/12/1986) of the 4300 block of S. Saint Lawrence Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with three counts of Drug Induced Homicide (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). On April 4, 2024, DuPage County Judge George Ford issued an arrest warrant for Hobson. He was taken into custody on July 17, 2024, in Chicago and returned to DuPage County to face the charges against him.

It is alleged that on February 20, 2023, the victim arranged to receive illegal narcotics from Hobson. It is alleged that the next day, the narcotics the victim ordered from Hobson were delivered to him by an unidentified third party at the direction of Hobson. It is further alleged the victim ingested the narcotics provided to him by Hobson and subsequently passed away from a drug overdose. On February 22, 2023, at approximately 1:46 p.m., the victim was found unresponsive in his home. He was pronounced deceased approximately twenty minutes later at 2:05 p.m. When processing the scene, authorities found numerous bags containing illegal narcotics. An autopsy performed on the victim determined the cause of death to be Combined Drug Intoxication - Fentanyl, Alprazolam, Phenobarbital, and Fluoxetine. The victim was prescribed Phenobarbital and Fluoxetine. An investigation into the matter conducted by the Naperville Police Department identified Hobson as the individual who allegedly supplied the fatal dose of fentanyl and alprazolam to the victim. 

“The tragic death of the victim is yet another terrible reminder of the extreme danger illegal narcotics, particularly fentanyl, continue to be in our communities,” Berlin said. “Losing someone close to you is hard enough but to lose a beloved family member so suddenly and unnecessarily can have a crippling, long-lasting effect on not just the immediate family, but also on surviving friends and relatives. I wish all those who knew and loved the victim strength as they must now rely on each other to keep their memories of him alive. To those who peddle this poison, today’s charges send a clear message that if you supply fatal narcotics that cause the death of another, you will be identified, charged, prosecuted and if found guilty, face up to thirty years in the penitentiary. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their outstanding efforts on this sad case as well as the U.S. Marshals Service and the Chicago Police Department for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandria Levan for her work in securing strong charges against Mr. Hobson.”           

“This investigation is an excellent example of how committed our department is to holding those responsible for such tragedies accountable,” said Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres. “I would like to commend our officers and detectives for their diligence and tenacity in this case, as well as the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Chicago Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Unit and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their support and assistance with this investigation.”

Hobson’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 12, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.  

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Christopher Hobson

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.