Bolingbrook Man Found Guilty of Drug-Induced Homicide in Aurora Death

Jury convicts Eric L. Jones for selling fentanyl pills that led to 27-year-old's overdose

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A jury has found a 54-year-old Bolingbrook man, Eric L. Jones, guilty of drug-induced homicide in the death of a 27-year-old Aurora resident, Niko Ramirez. Prosecutors said Jones delivered 10 fentanyl pills to Ramirez on November 26, 2022, and Ramirez later died from fentanyl intoxication that same evening.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the deadly consequences of fentanyl distribution, as well as the legal tools prosecutors are using to hold drug dealers accountable for overdose deaths in their communities.

The details

According to court statements, Jones communicated with Ramirez on November 25 and 26, 2022 to arrange a drug purchase. On November 26, Jones delivered 10 fentanyl pills to Ramirez, who ingested one of them later that evening at his home in Aurora. Ramirez was found dead the next morning by his roommate, who called 911. An autopsy determined the cause of death was fentanyl intoxication.

  • On November 25 and 26, 2022, Jones communicated with Ramirez to arrange a drug purchase.
  • On November 26, 2022 around 7:30 p.m., Jones delivered 10 fentanyl pills to Ramirez.
  • On November 27, 2022, Ramirez was found dead in his Aurora home.
  • On November 4, 2024, Jones was arrested in Elgin by the U.S. Marshal's Service.
  • On April 2, Jones is scheduled to appear in court for motions and sentencing.

The players

Eric L. Jones

A 54-year-old man from Bolingbrook, Illinois who was found guilty by a jury of drug-induced homicide in the death of Niko Ramirez.

Niko Ramirez

A 27-year-old man from Aurora, Illinois who died from fentanyl intoxication after ingesting one of the fentanyl pills delivered to him by Eric L. Jones.

Jake G. Matekaitis

An Assistant State's Attorney who prosecuted the case against Eric L. Jones.

Ryan M. Ahern

An Assistant State's Attorney who prosecuted the case against Eric L. Jones.

Darrell Moore

An Aurora Police Department detective who led the investigation into Niko Ramirez's death.

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What’s next

Jones faces a sentence of between six and 30 years in state prison. His next court appearance is set for April 2 for motions and sentencing.

The takeaway

This conviction underscores the urgent need to address the opioid epidemic and hold drug dealers responsible for the harm and loss of life caused by the distribution of deadly substances like fentanyl in local communities.