Overview
- Edwin Pacheco-Meza, 34, is charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI and was denied pretrial release on Monday, with a court date set for Nov. 17.
- Coles County board member Michael Clayton and his wife, Gail, were pronounced dead at the scene, and two other occupants were hospitalized with life‑threatening injuries.
- Illinois State Police say Pacheco-Meza’s van crossed the center line for a head-on collision, and officers reported finding marijuana, ammunition, an extended magazine, and an open alcohol container.
- ICE says both Pacheco-Meza and passenger Juan Morales-Martinez were living in the U.S. illegally and lodged detainers at the Clark County Jail, which did not hold them beyond release under state law.
- Federal agents arrested Morales-Martinez outside the jail after his release for immigration processing, and local authorities have charged him with drug possession and a weapons offense.