Prosecutors: Driver Had Marijuana In System In Crash That Killed Retired Music Teacher
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. (CBS) -- Prosecutors say a man had marijuana in his system when he caused a crash that killed a long-time music teacher in the Elgin schools.
As WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports, Rafael Gonzalez, 37, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence in the crash that killed Linda Reniert, 66, who had retired just two weeks earlier after teaching for 34 years, according to a Daily Herald report.
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The crash happened around 4:50 p.m. on Aug. 4, at Lake and Park streets in Streamwood, the Daily Herald reported.
Police say Gonzalez was driving a landscaping truck, and appeared to be going about 20 mph over the speed limit, when he slammed into Reinert's car as she prepared to make a left turn, the Daily Herald reported.
Reinert's 10-year-old grandson was in the back seat, and needed stitches for lacerations to his face, the newspaper reported.
Gonzalez testified positive for marijuana, and drug paraphernalia with marijuana residue was found in his truck, the Daily Herald reports. He also had a vial that tested positive for barbiturates, the newspaper reported.
Bond for Gonzalez was set at $75,000 Friday by Rolling Meadows Court Judge Jill Cerone Marisie, the Daily Herald reported.
Gonzalez could get anything from probation to 14 years in prison if convicted.
