A 17-year-old boy was charged in connection with a west suburban crash that killed a couple in March.
A judge prevented Francesco Rendina, 17, of Oak Brook, from driving after he was charged with two counts of reckless murder, a felony.
He was also barred from obtaining or using alcohol or medicines that were not medically prescribed.
On March 27, shortly before 7 p.m., Downers Grove police responded to an accident at Highland Avenue and 35th Street.
Rendina was driving a BMW SUV at high speeds and changing lanes in a “reckless manner,” according to prosecutors, when he collided with the victims’ car as it turned onto Highland Avenue from 35th Street.
Rendina was allegedly driving up to 104 mph around five seconds before the incident, and at the moment of the crash, he was traveling at 89 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Ried Jacobsen, 72, and his wife, Katherine Jacobson, 67, died in the collision.
“Mr. Rendina’s alleged reckless driving on a busy road that resulted in a horrific crash and the loss of two lives demonstrates his complete disregard for public safety,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, in a statement. “To the family and friends of Ried and Katherine Jacobsen, I offer my sincerest condolences on their tragic loss. The sudden, heartbreaking loss of a loved one is devastating, and I wish them strength as they continue their lives with just their memories of Ried and Katherine to see them through.”
Rendina’s next court appearance is slated for June 15.
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