MCHENRY CO., Ill. – A northern Illinois mother who failed to seek medical help as her 14-year-old son suffered a deadly drug overdose has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Cara Ullrich, 46, of Richmond, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after what prosecutors described as a preventable tragedy.
“Parents have a legal duty, not just a moral one, to protect and care for their children,” the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office wrote in a statement. “This senseless and tragic death of a fourteen-year-old was entirely preventable had medical treatment been sought for this child.”
Emergency responders with the Richmond Fire Department were called to Ullrich’s home in Jan. 2024 for an unresponsive minor. Despite attempts to revive the teen, he was pronounced dead at a hospital. Toxicology results revealed he died from the combined effects of fentanyl and xylazine—a dangerous animal tranquilizer increasingly found in the street drug supply.
Investigators testified that multiple bags—both full and used—containing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with other drug paraphernalia, were found throughout the home. Evidence was also presented that Ullrich was in the home and was aware of her son’s overdose.
“Ullrich consciously chose not to provide medical treatment for her child during the overdose event and did not call 911,” the press release reads.
During the investigation, Ullrich also consistently provided false information to officers regarding the circumstances of her son’s death.
Testimony from medical experts underscored the preventability of the teen’s death. Dr. Steven Aks, an emergency physician and toxicologist, said the boy would have survived had he received prompt medical attention.
