Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Darien Chief of Police Greg Thomas announced today that Judge Leah Bendik has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Berkeley man charged with supplying a fatal dose of illegal narcotics to Michael Rice of Darien. Willie Woodgett, 37, of the 1400 block of Morris Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Drug Induced Homicide, a Class X Felony. On July 24, 2024, DuPage County Judge Bendik issued an arrest warrant for Woodgett. He was taken into custody on July 30, 2024.

It is alleged that on March 30, 2023, the victim arranged to receive illegal narcotics from Woodgett. It is alleged that at approximately 11:00 p.m., the same day, Woodgett went to Rice’s home and delivered the narcotics to him. It is further alleged that at some point between March 30, 2023 and April 1, 2023, Rice ingested the narcotics provided by Woodgett and subsequently passed away from a drug overdose. On April 1, 2023, at approximately 12:38 p.m., officers with the Darien Police Department responded to a call made by the victim’s mother regarding an unconscious male in the family home. Rice was pronounced deceased on April 2, 2023. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be combined drug toxicity of fentanyl, ethanol, diphenhydramine, alprazolam, xylazine and buprenorphine. Rice was prescribed alprazolam. An investigation conducted by the Darien Police Department identified Woodgett as the individual who allegedly supplied the fatal dose of narcotics to the victim.

“The tragic death of another promising life serves as a terrifying reminder of the extreme danger illegal narcotics, particularly fentanyl, continue to be in our communities,” Berlin said. “Abruptly losing a family member can have a paralyzing effect on not just the immediate family but also on surviving friends and relatives. I wish the entire Rice family and all those who knew and loved Michael strength as they continue their lives without the love and support they once enjoyed from Michael. The charges filed against Mr. Woodgett send a crystal-clear message that if you supply narcotics that cause the death of another, you will be identified, charged, prosecuted and if found guilty face up to thirty years in penitentiary. I thank the Darien Police Department as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration for their outstanding efforts on this very sad case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alysa Feld and Alexandria Levan for not only their work in securing strong charges against Mr. Woodgett but for their continued efforts in holding those responsible for such tragedies accountable.”

“Unfortunately, drug usage and overdoses continue to be a scourge on society,” Thomas said. “While efforts such as drug collection points, changes in how doctors can prescribe medicines, rehabilitation centers and use of Narcan have been successful; there are still too many times that this type of tragedy occurs. I appreciate our officers’ ongoing efforts in combating drugs and their efforts during this investigation as well as State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team to bring criminal charges. I’m sad for the Rice family and all families who endure this type of tragedy.”

Woodgett’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 26, 2024 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

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.