Trial delayed in Round Lake Park drug-induced homicide
The trial of a Round Lake Beach man charged with giving his best friend a fatal dose of heroin last May has been pushed back to March.
Michael N. Seelye, 31, of the 500 block of West Hawthorne Drive, faces up to 30 years in prison after being charged with drug-induced homicide in connection with the May 12 death of Hector Quinones, 31, of Round Lake Park, authorities said.
Defense attorney Edward Edens asked for the trial to be delayed while he awaits additional medical records and coroner reports regarding Quinones.
In court, Edens said he is reviewing the coroner's ruling of Quinones' death. He said autopsy results showed Quinones had a blood alcohol level of .279 when he died and that he had previous issues with alcohol.
On Friday, Judge John Philips approved the trial continuance, and set a March 3 date.
Seelye has been held in Lake County jail in lieu of $500,000 bail since turning himself in after the charges were filed against him June 13.
Police said a family member found Quinones unresponsive at his residence in the 400 block of Colony Drive about 7 a.m.
Rescuers were unable to revive Quinones, authorities said, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy showed he died of heroin intoxication, authorities said.
Seelye is due back in court Feb. 4 for a status update.