March 28, 2024
Crime & Courts | Northwest Herald


Crime & Courts

McHenry man sentenced to prison in connection with fatal overdose

A 30-year-old McHenry man was sentenced to prison Wednesday for delivering a combination of heroin and fentanyl to another man who died of a drug overdose.

Derrick J. Buttrum accepted an offer from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office and pleaded guilty to delivery of a controlled substance in connection with the death of 40-year-old Richard T. Hyde.

McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt accepted the plea and issued Buttrum an extended-term sentence of 7½ years in prison. Prosecutors also agreed to dismiss several counts of drug-induced homicide, which typically carries a penalty of as many 30 years in prison.

McHenry police and fire departments responded June 28 to the 4000 block of West Main Street, where a man had reportedly overdosed on drugs and was unresponsive.

First responders tried without success to revive Hyde, police said at the time.

Medical and toxicological examinations determined that the man died of an overdose, according to a news release.

Further investigation revealed that Buttrum delivered heroin containing fentanyl to Hyde shortly before his death, according to the release.

Katie Smith

Katie Smith

Katie reported on the crime and courts beat for the Northwest Herald from 2017 through 2021. She began her career with Shaw Media in 2015 at the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb, where she reported on the courts, city council, the local school board, and business.