Drunk Driver Convicted in Mokena Crash That Killed Two

December 1, 2010 - A drunk driver who killed two people in a 2006 car accident was convicted of aggravated DUI on Monday. According to a report at TribLocal.com, the charges stem from an accident on Dec. 8, 2006, when the defendant lost control of his car and crashed into a tree.

Prosecutors say the driver's blood-alcohol content was .127 when he caused the fatal car accident (the legal limit is 0.08). The crash occurred on St. Francis Road in Mokena near the intersection with Townline Road. Two passengers, including the driver's step-brother, were ejected when the car slammed into the tree and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was also ejected, but he survived serious personal injuries and was sentenced to 4 counts of aggravated DUI. He could receive nearly 30 years in prison if the judge hands down the strictest sentence allowed under the law.

During the trial, defense attorneys said that prosecutors could not prove that the defendant was behind the wheel when it crashed, since all of the passengers were ejected. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2011.