“Man charged reckless homicide in Waukegan crash” : Reckless Driver Charged with Homicide in Waukegan Crash: Maria Gloria Killed

Accident – death – Obituary News : Man Charged with Reckless Homicide After Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash in Waukegan

A man has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of reckless homicide following a tragic three-vehicle collision in Waukegan, Illinois. Francisco J. Martinez, a 50-year-old resident of Waukegan, is now facing two counts of reckless homicide, classified as a Class 3 felony. The indictment was issued by a Lake County grand jury on Wednesday, as per court records.

The incident occurred on February 28, 2021, at the intersection of Lewis Avenue and York House Road. Upon receiving reports of a vehicle crash with injuries, the Waukegan Police Department and Waukegan Fire Department promptly responded to the scene at approximately 8:38 a.m.

Law enforcement officers arrived to find multiple vehicles involved in the collision. Recognizing the severity of the situation, three ambulances were immediately dispatched. Tragically, a 64-year-old woman, identified as Maria Gloria from Kenosha, lost her life as a result of the crash. She was swiftly transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where she was pronounced dead two hours later.

Following the unfortunate incident, the Lake County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Maria Gloria. The autopsy revealed that her cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, as confirmed by Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.

The collision had a significant impact on traffic in the area, with northbound Lewis Avenue at York House Road and southbound Lewis Avenue just north of York House Road closed for approximately eight hours on the day of the incident.

According to the grand jury indictment, Francisco J. Martinez was allegedly driving in a reckless manner, ultimately leading to the fatal crash. The indictment states that Martinez was driving above the posted speed limit and disregarded a red traffic light. As a result, he veered into the oncoming lane and collided with another vehicle, in which Maria Gloria was a passenger.

As a direct consequence of the indictment, an arrest warrant has been issued for Martinez. Authorities are now seeking his apprehension to face the charges brought against him.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible and attentive driving. Reckless actions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences, causing irreparable harm to innocent lives. The legal proceedings surrounding the case will now unfold, providing an opportunity for justice to be served and closure to be sought for the grieving family of Maria Gloria..