DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A 17-year-old boy was charged with two counts of reckless homicide in a crash that killed a married couple on March 27.
Authorities identified the victims as 72-year-old Ried Jacobsen and 67-year-old Katherine Jacobsen. Witnesses reported that Francesco Rendina was driving a 2022 BMW SUV at high speeds and changing lanes recklessly before colliding with another vehicle.
Investigators stated that Rendina accelerated to approximately 104 miles per hour five seconds prior to the crash and was traveling at 89 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone at the time of impact. The crash occurred while Ried Jacobsen was making a turn.
Ried Jacobsen was pronounced dead at the scene; Katherine Jacobsen later succumbed to her injuries at an area hospital.
“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of reckless driving,” said Downers Grove Police Chief Michael DeVries. “Our thoughts are with the victims' loved ones as they cope with this loss.”
Rendina appeared in court on Monday, where he was released pre-trial under strict conditions including a driving ban and no possession of alcohol or controlled substances unless prescribed. He is scheduled to return to court on June 15.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.