Prosecutors Say Teen's Death Was Drug Deal Gone Bad

Prosecutors are shedding more light on what led to a Worth teen's death after she suffered fatal injuries Friday near 115th Street and Beloit Avenue.

Officials say Brittany Wawrzyniak, 18, was attempting to buy prescription drugs from Eric Steven Johnson when she jumped out of the car for an unknown reason.

Johnson, 20, of Midlothian, was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Wawrzyniak's family say her dad dropped her off a friend's home around 6 p.m. Friday. 

Prosecutors say she met Johnson at a boat launch in the 7400 block of West 115th Street to buy four grams of Clonazepam, a drug used to treat panic and seizure disorders.

Wawrzyniak got into the backseat of Johnson’s car and handed him $200, prosecutors said. Johnson gave Wawrzyniak 30 pills, which she began counting in the backseat.

Johnson began to drive away with Wawrzyniak still in the backseat, prosecutors said. Wawrzyniak opened the door of the moving car and was ejected, striking the pavement.

The victim's family attended Johnson's bond hearing on Monday, but would not answer questions about the possible drug connection.

Wawrzyniak was enrolled at the Illinois Institute of Art, and had dreams of becoming a music producer.

On a Facebook page in her memory, loved ones call her their beautiful angel. Several commenters were also calling on those who know what happened to come forward.

Johnson was being held on a $300,000 bond. Authorities say Johnson was charged with burglary in 2011 and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance earlier this year.

A vigil was planned for Wawrzyniak at 7 p.m. Monday.

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