Sycamore resident murdered; police arrest suspect Friday

By Andrew Schlesser

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s office apprehended a suspect Friday wanted for the murder of Sycamore resident Frank R. Riccardi.

“The DeKalb County Sheriff’s office activated the DeKalb county major case squad, the State’s Attorney’s office, and the DeKalb County Coroner to bring this case to a close,” said Roger A. Scott, DeKalb County sheriff.

DeKalb County police received a call about a possible motor vehicle accident on Byers Road in Kirkland, Scott said.

Responding officers discovered a car in a field and a victim laying face down outside the car, police said.

Police observed no damage to the car, and an autopsy revealed the victim’s injuries were inflicted with a blunt object. But police did not say a weapon was involved.

Deputy Coroner Danny Lee pronounced Riccardi, 23, dead at 7:25 a.m. Friday.

“We had nothing to go on but the crime scene,” Scott said.

Police think the killing involved drugs but are unsure what specific drug or drugs were involved.

“We know it was a drug deal that went wrong,” Scott said.

Police made a routine house check in the surrounding area and got information from neighbors and family, Scott said.

Police identified the suspect, Eric A. Laskowski, 21, of 29086 Malta Road, Kirkland, and later located him driving on a rural road, Scott said.

Late Friday afternoon, DeKalb County Sheriff’s office and the DeKalb County major case squad arrested Laskowski for murder, felony murder, armed robbery and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

“The support from the community was significant,” Scott said.

Laskowski’s bond was set at $3 million. Laskowski must post 10 percent of the bond to be released.