A woman is accused of having a blood-alcohol content of more than three times the legal limit when she wrecked her SUV Saturday night in Champaign, resulting in the death of her boyfriend.
Thirty-three-year-old Markcus Willimas, of Champaign, was pronounced dead as a result of injuries suffered in the wreck, which was reported at about 11 p.m. Saturday, the Champaign Police Department reported. The SUV’s driver, 32-year-old Valinda Bender, of Champaign, also suffered injuries in the crash.
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Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Bender with a felony for her alleged role in the crash. Because of the severity of the charge, she will need to seek representation from a drunk driving attorney.
Bender at about 11 p.m. Saturday was driving in the 1500 block of West Church Street when she lost control of her vehicle, police said. The SUV reportedly veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree before rolling over on its side.
Investigators said Bender had managed to get out of the vehicle before first responders arrived at the scene. However, her passenger, Williams, was trapped in the crashed vehicle, authorities reported.
Emergency medical personnel transported Williams to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead from injuries suffered in the crash, according to police. Bender also was injured and taken to a hospital, where a blood test was taken, showing a BAC of 0.298%. The legal driving limit in Illinois is 0.08%.
Bender was released from the hospital with a citation for driving under the influence. She formally was charged with aggravated driving under the influence on Tuesday, though she was not immediately taken into custody.
Once arrested, Bender will need to obtain the services of a drunk driving attorney.
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