Teen Driver Involved in Crash Which Killed Rockford Woman Faces Homicide Charges
By: Scott Picken
Updated: February 27, 2013
ROCKFORD -- A teenager police say was at the wheel during a crash which killed a Rockford nurse has been charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, and several other charges.
Police say the 16-year-old (whose name has not been released) was fleeing from an Holy Family Church on Sunday where he and two others were allegedly trying to break into cars. He then collided with a Ford Edge being driven by 58-year-old Karen Shafer at the corner of N. Alpine and Brendenwood Roads. Shafer died from her injuries at a Rockford hospital. The three teens in the car were also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office will file the following charges.
- Juvenile Male, 16 years of age, Rockford, Illinois
- Reckless Homicide
- Aggravated DUI (Drugs) Involving Death
- Aggravated DUI (Drugs) Involving Great Bodily Harm (2 counts)
- Aggravated Reckless Driving (2 counts)
- Aggravated Fleeing to Elude (4 counts)
- Failure to Stop After Having an Accident involving Personal Injury or Death (3 counts)
- DUI (drugs)
- Corey J. Butler, 17 years of age, Rockford, Illinois
- Probation Violation
- Juvenile Male, 16 years of age, Rockford, Illinois
- Probation Violation
A probation hold has been placed on 16-year-old driver. More charges stemming from the burglary of cars could still follow.
