Overview

• Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser said the months-long investigation did not meet the legal burden to pursue criminal charges.
• Investigators found the Jeep left Breckenridge Road and traveled about 1,300 feet, maintaining 38–40 mph across a field before striking the building at roughly 45 mph.
• Crash data indicated the accelerator was fully applied, the brakes were not used and the vehicle’s stability control was engaged, limiting wheel speed as it crossed the field.
• Toxicology tests were negative, and medical reviews showed objective signs of seizures, though the underlying cause was not identified.
• Five children were killed and 10 were struck; the driver, identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers, had her driving privileges canceled after the crash, and her attorney described the event as an unforeseen medical episode.