An Illinois man has received a 12-and-a-half-year prison sentence for a fatal crash while driving under the influence of cannabis, killing a 4-year-old girl and severely injuring her mother, FOX 32 Chicago reports. Edgar Barrios of DeKalb, 22 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated driving under the influence of cannabis causing death.
The tragic incident occurred on October 1, 2022, when Barrios, en route to a cannabis dispensary, lost control of his Chrysler 200 traveling at approximately 78 mph on Route 38 near Francis Road in Kane County. Barrios' car collided with a Jeep Compass, which subsequently caught fire and resulted in the death of the young girl secured in a car seat inside. A second vehicle, also in the eastbound lane, was involved in the aftermath of the crash. According to CBS News Chicago, test results later revealed Barrios had a blood level of 6.6 nanograms per milliliter of Delta-9 THC.
In a statement, Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney David Belshan expressed his hope that Barrios' sentencing would serve as a deterrent to others. "Edgar Barrios used bad judgment and made a selfish decision to get into a car and drive while he was under the influence of cannabis," Belshan said, "He blatantly disregarded the law and the safety of others. That decision cost a four-year-old girl her life and caused serious injuries to her mother," according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Barrios has been credited with 829 days served in Kane County jail and will be required to serve at least 85% of his sentence under state law.
