A 17-year-old from Oak Brook is facing serious felony charges after what prosecutors describe as a high-speed, reckless drive through Downers Grove ended in a crash that killed an elderly couple and left two others badly hurt.
Downers Grove police were called shortly before 7 p.m. on March 27 to a two-vehicle collision at Highland Avenue and 35th Street. Two people were pronounced dead and two others were taken to local hospitals with serious injuries, according to a press release from the Village of Downers Grove. CBS Chicago reported that the driver and passenger of the turning vehicle died from their injuries, while occupants of the other car survived but were hospitalized. The DuPage M.E.R.I.T. major crash reconstruction team is assisting with the investigation, per the village.
DuPage County prosecutors have charged Francesco Rendina, 17, of Oak Brook with two counts of reckless homicide. A judge has barred him from driving and from possessing alcohol or drugs other than prescribed medications, according to Fox 32 Chicago. Rendina is due back in court on June 15, the outlet reported. Authorities said the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office provided case details to media.
What prosecutors allege
Prosecutors say Rendina was behind the wheel of a BMW SUV and weaving through traffic in a “reckless manner” before the collision. Investigators allege the SUV accelerated to about 104 mph roughly five seconds before impact and was still traveling around 89 mph in a 45 mph zone when it struck the other vehicle, according to Fox 32 Chicago. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the alleged driving behavior “demonstrates his complete disregard for public safety,” the station reported.
Legal context
Illinois law on reckless homicide, found at 720 ILCS 5/9-3, applies when a death results from reckless conduct, including in traffic crashes, according to the statute published by the Illinois General Assembly. The offense is generally a Class 3 felony but can carry tougher penalties in certain situations, such as crashes in school or construction zones or cases involving multiple deaths. The statute also allows a court to infer recklessness when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 20 mph. Any sentencing enhancements or specific penalties would be decided later by a judge if there is a conviction at trial or a plea.
The DuPage M.E.R.I.T. reconstruction team continues to work the case, and officials have asked anyone with information to contact the Downers Grove Police Department at (630) 434-5600, according to the village’s statement. Rendina’s next court date is June 15, when prosecutors say they will begin to lay out their evidence in court.
