Kelly confirmed that Marianne Akers used to work for the Illinois State Police, but did not say what position she worked.
He also stated that Akers has not worked for the ISP for seven years and is regarded as an ordinary citizen.
Update at 1:42 p.m.
Kelly explained that the possibility of the crash being a “targeted attack” was ruled out based on the evidence available at the scene.
Update at 1:37 p.m.
ISP Director Brendan F Kelly said the driver of the vehicle was identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. He said that after the crash, she was taken to an area hospital.
While there, Akers submitted blood and urine samples and was then released. Kelly said that testing has since indicated that she was not under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances.
Akers has not been charged with any crime yet. Once the investigation is complete, the results will be submitted to the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office for further review.
Kelly said investigators have taken data from Akers’ car. While some evidence indicates Akers may have suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel, Kelly stressed this evidence is not conclusive so far. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
“What we do is follow the facts, no matter where they take us,” Kelly said. “(We) do not reach any conclusion until we have finished a proper investigation.”
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police will be hosting a news conference Thursday afternoon to provide an update on the investigation into a deadly crash at a Chatham after-school program on Monday.
A car crashed into the building hosting the YNOT After School Camp on Breckenridge Road. The crash killed four girls and sent six more people to the hospital.Impact Life supports Chatham with blood donations after hospitals ask for extra help
In a release Thursday morning, ISP said the car left the road for “unknown reasons.”
ISP Director Brendan Kelly will be the one delivering statements and updates. The news conference starts at 1:30 p.m. and can be viewed live in this article, which will be updated as Kelly shares new information.
