Fox River Grove woman found dead of suspected drug overdose at motel, authorities say

FOX RIVER GROVE – A 26-year-old man is facing criminal charges after a woman was found dead in a Fox River Grove motel room Wednesday night.

The McHenry County Coroner is investigating the death of a middle-aged woman after her body was found at 8:48 p.m. in a room at the River Inn Motel at 1000 Route 14. The woman was identified as 50-year-old Ellen M. Wright, who was residing at the motel, the release said.

An autopsy was performed Thursday, but the cause of death is pending toxicology results. However, authorities believe she likely died of a drug overdose.

Misdemeanor charges were filed against Lance Weseman, who listed his address at the motel. According to the criminal complaint, Weseman provided Fox River Grove police with false or misleading information during their investigation.

Fox River Grove Police Chief Ron Lukasik said Weseman didn't report Wright's death for a number of hours. He's a maintenance worker at the motel and had attempted to get rent from Wright, who had been living there, the Lukasik said.

"The initial reports we have indicate that he had discovered the victim at 8:48 [p.m.]," Lukasik said. "Our investigation revealed he was in the room between 12:30 and 1 [p.m.] and she was deceased. He didn't report it at that time. He locked the door and left."

There were no signs of trauma or foul play, said Michael Combs, chief of the State's Attorney's Criminal Division.

"As far as we're concerned, this is an open investigation," Combs said. "We have not seen an autopsy report."

The Fox River Grove Police Department and the coroner's office will continue to investigate.

Weseman has since posted $150 bond and was released. His next court date is Nov. 25.

The police department referred questions to the police chief, who was not immediately available for comment.

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- Northwest Herald Reporter Allison Goodrich contributed to this report.