Closing arguments and jury deliberation are set for Monday in a New Boston man’s drug-induced homicide trial.
The prosecution and defense each rested their case in Mercer County Circuit Court on Friday, where 43-year-old Dale Robert Woodsmall is facing a Class X felony of drug-induced homicide and two Class 2 felony counts of methamphetamine delivery in the May 2024 death of 26-year-old Blake Russell of Joy.
William Viager of Seaton testified on Tuesday that he and Russell purchased meth from Woodsmall on the day of Russell’s death and used it with two others that day. He went on to say he and Russell later smoked marijuana at his home before Russell left in Viager’s vehicle following a disagreement between the two. Russell was then found dead in Viager’s vehicle after driving it alone near Seaton.
The Peoria County forensic pathologist who administered the autopsy testified on Wednesday that Russell’s cause of death was methamphetamine intoxication.
A video of Woodsmall’s interview with Mercer County Sheriff’s Department investigators on the day of his July 2024 arrest was played in court Thursday. It showed Woodsmall initailly deny selling meth to Russell and Viager, but eventually admitted to selling and using it with them that day. He also claimed to have bought the meth he sold to them from someone else.
While the defense was presenting its case on Friday, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department detective Anthony Baugh said the bong and pipes used by Russell and others on the day of his death were never recovered or tested. He also stated Viager’s home, which was Russell’s last-known location, was never searched.
Woodsmall’s attorney, William Breedlove, told the jury in his opening statement on Tuesday that he expected them to find Woodsmall guilty of the delivery charges, but not the drug-induced homicide charge.
If convicted of the drug-induced homicide charge, Woodsmall would face up to 30 years in prison. He’s been in police custody since his arrest.
Woodsmall declined to testify on Friday.