Romeoville man guilty of drug induced homicide

June 5

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow announced that a Romeoville man was found guilty Friday of drug-induced homicide in connection with the heroin overdose death of a Lockport man in 2014.

Benjamin Camunias, 28, of 34 Paladino Drive, faces between six and 30 years in prison when he is sentenced by Circuit Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak on July 22. In addition to the drug-induced homicide charge, Judge Bertani-Tomczak found him guilty of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Camunias was instrumental in obtaining and providing the heroin that was delivered to Peter Kucinski on Aug. 10, 2014. Kucinski suffered a fatal overdose after snorting the heroin on that day.

Camunias drove to Chicago with another woman, Amy Shemberger, where the two purchased a jab of heroin, which in this case came to 14 packets, for $100. The two divided the heroin before Camunias dropped Shemberger off at her Lockport house, where she gave some to Kucinski.

Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Knick and David Borenstein argued at trial that Camunias was accountable for the victim’s death because he drove Shemberger to Chicago and purchased the heroin.

“Heroin is an extraordinarily dangerous drug that is killing users of all ages,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “People must know the consequences of involving themselves in heroin-related drug deals. If you are responsible for a heroin delivery, you are on the hook for any user who dies from an overdose. And you face a minimum of six years in prison if you are found guilty. Benjamin Camunias is learning this lesson the hard way.”  

Shemberger testified against Camunias at trial. She also is charged with drug induced homicide and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. Her case is pending.