'[Your] being completely careless about killing two people tonight,' he told her. Copyright 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. She then started singing and dancing while the officer started filling out the paperwork. She added, "I have not drank since that day. the officer questioned. "I don't expect this sentence to please anyone, but it is most just," said Tazewell County traffic court Judge Tim Cusack, asking for people to remember the names of the victims. And I said: "Oh my God, how did that happen?"' All rights reserved. ", As she continued to deny hitting the couple, Melgoza claimed that if she had, she would "be crying. Melgoza is scheduled to appear in a Tazewell County court on May 24 at 1:30 p.m. By Angeline Schmelzer - Editor-in-Chief, Jonathan Michel - Sports co-Editor & Daniel Kerns - Voice Editor on April 14, 2022. Stephanie Melgoza entered a blind plea of guilty Thursday in Tazewell County Circuit Court. Stephanie Melgoza, 24, pleaded guilty . She then laughed and joked about being "mad" at the officer if he was Snapchatting someone and not including her. WOMAN IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHO ALLEGEDLY KILLED BRIDE, INJURED GROOM ON WEDDING NIGHT REEKED OF ALCOHOL: POLICE. Posted Mon, Apr 9, 2018 at 3:37 pm CT. PEORIA, IL A Chicago teen studying at Bradley University one of two people killed in an off-campus shooting Sunday night near Peoria. "Right now, If you had me do a test, I think I would pass. She then tells the officer he's being too quiet, so she starts singing out loud and dancing in the hospital bed, before asking whether she can get her car back to go to school the next day. Melgoza will be sentenced on April 27 at 9 a.m. by Judge Tim Cusack in Tazewell County. But it is not all about rehabilitation, there is a sentence that is necessary to deter others and that needs to be out there This is the easiest fatality in the U.S. to get rid of., By Jonathan Michel- 2022-23 Co-Editor-in-Chief on April 28, 2023, Melgoza faced between six to 28 years in prison after. Former Bradley student accused of hitting and killing two people appears in court, Motorcyclist identified after fatal collision with car, UPDATE: Body found identified as missing Fulton County woman, UPDATE: Victim of Thursday night shooting identified, Softball tournament raising money for families impacted by cancer, Bumps to Babies connects parents to resources available to them. Alyssa Guzman For Dailymail.Com. In body cam footage from OSF St. Francis Hospital shortly after the crash, Melgoza - who was then a 23-year-old student at Bradley University - appears similarly oblivious to the seriousness . Stephanie Melgoza's booking photo, left, and a still from body camera footage showing her laughing and giggling during a field sobriety test after killing two people in a DUI crash. Photo Gallery: Students hold vigil for victims - Bradley Scout Student charged with driving under the influence, striking two After being placed in cuffs and put in the back of the cop car, she denied hitting both people, telling officers: 'I did not. This is still a tragic accident, there was no intent and no premeditation for this to occur. Legal Statement. EAST PEORIA (25 News Now) The 23-year-old woman accused of hitting and killing two people while driving under the influence made another appearance in court Thursday. Melgoza added that she would have "such a busy day tomorrow" with lots of questions on Snapchat that she would not have time to answer and that she would be "at home.". Three smaller charges were dropped during her plea. Giggling and Smiling Drunk Driver Sentenced to 14 Years After Killing Peoria County coroner Jamie Harwood said the bodies of two Bradley University employees have been recovered from the Spoon River Tuesday night, as reported by the Peoria Journal Star. Home - Bradfields Academy You may then be asked to log in, create an account if you don't already have one, As she arrived at the hospital, she said, "If it was two, I'd be crying. By "You have destroyed multiple families with your selfishness," she said, adding she believes Melgoza has "zero consideration" for other people. Former Bradley student Stephanie Melgoza was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Thursday. All rights reserved. It was then she called the police. Earlier that night, Melgoza called 911after hitting the couple outside the bar Full Throttle at around 10 p.m. Officers who responded to the gruesome scene found her red Dodge Dart totaled with a severed leg "sticking out of the grill," a police report says. She must serve at least 85 percent of her sentence and according to the Pekin Daily Times, she told the court: "I'm so sorry for everything, and I will never, ever commit anything like that again. While in the ER, she happily told police that someone was going to 'take her to Vegas' and that she was 'going to spend at least $500 and I'm going to start off with two Long Islands.'. Prowant had recently been promoted to project superintendent with American Bridge Co. and was leading repairs on the McClugage Bridge. The Final (film) - Wikipedia Following her arrest, Melgozas name appeared on Bradley Universitys list of approved graduates, which provoked turmoil among the student body. She estimated she was 'going at least 40[mph]' when she hitRosewicz andProwant. 'Don't test me,' she quickly corrected. Melgoza received her degree from Bradley University, but was not allowed to participate in commencement after an outcry from the student body. BD20 9EF, Clever websites for schools byeasable.net, Class 1 visit to Blackpool * Reception visit * Bikeablility, Rainforest class 2 writing * school photographs * Friends Garden Force Weekend, Fantastic writing * Old friends visit school * Summer disco, Inspection Reports, Ofsted, School Data and Financial Information, BRADLEYS BOTH JOINS YORKSHIRE COLLABORATIVE ACADEMY TRUST, NEW September 2023 EYFS Reception places confirmed. So no, you're not going to school tomorrow.". You're going to jail. Approximately two and a half weeks after her arrest, Melgozas name was removed from the list of graduating seniors. You together with donors across the NPR Network create a more informed public. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Why Have DUI Arrests In Peoria Seen A Steep Decline? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. L I F E - Learn, Inspire, Flourish, Engage. We are very proud of our achievements and strive to ensure every child develops to their potential. Melgoza was scheduled to graduate from Bradley shortly after her arrest. Sullivan said Melgoza wants to go public with her story and discourage others from driving drunk after her release from prison. Court records also indicate Melgoza said she was speeding about 10 miles over the posted limit. I don't think you understand that. She is shown taking a breathalyzer test. They include two charges of aggravated DUI resulting in death, which are Class 2 felonies, two charges of aggravated reckless driving resulting in bodily harm, both Class 4 felonies and unlawful possession of cannabis, a Class A misdemeanor, according to Tazewell County Circuit Court records. Peoria woman sentenced to 4 years in prison for fatal DUI that killed electric bike rider. 'You could care less, that's sad, apathetic, and horrible all at the same time.'. She will regret this for the rest of her life," Sullivan said. The Scout learned on Thursday that Melgoza still received her college diploma from Bradley, after the university first moved to deny her the degree. Chicago teen on track to be family's first to graduate college killed ', 'Someone said: "Oh, someone else is hit." '", In the exam room while waiting to be checked and treated for injuries, she then began talking about how excited she was to go to Las Vegas for her birthday and starting her trip by drinking two Long Island iced teas. During her sentencing hearing last week, Melgoza reportedly addressed the victims' families, saying she was "so sorry for everything" and promising to "never, ever commit anything like that again." The students apparently intended to frighten Sheridan (Danny) Dahlquist, a friend and teammate on Bradleys soccer team, and make him run outside in his underwear. Carol Stream Police to Begin Roadside Drug Tests, Police Add Patrols on Illinois Roads for Halloween Weekend, As Prom Draws Near, Multiple Agencies Step Up to Reduce Teen DUI Fatalities. Youre going to jail. Stephanie Melgoza, 24, pleaded guilty to two counts each of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and aggravated reckless driving in February. After placing her purse on the hood of the squad car, she admitted to having marijuana on her, but said she had not yet smoked any that night. UPDATE: Woman sentenced to prison for 2022 fatal DUI He said that upon her release from prison, Melgoza wants to educate others about the dangers of drinking and driving as an example. protesting the universitys then-decision allowing her to partake in the commencement ceremonies if she chose to do so. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. A tweet from the . Things then came to a head after the frustrated police officer became fed-up with her "carelessness" about killing two people. Bieber said she also had slurred speech, watery eyes, and a strong alcohol odor on her breath. In Tazewell County Circuit Court on Thursday morning, Melgoza entered a blind plea, meaning that she pled guilty to the four charges against her without accepting a plea deal. Stephanie Melgoza smirks in body camera video minutes after she killed two people with her red Dodge Dart (right). PEORIA, Ill. A central Illinois teenager has been convicted in a 2018 shooting that killed two people and wounded a third at a fraternity party near the Bradley University campus. At the time of the crash, Melgoza said she was about four weeks from graduating from Bradley University. , according to Melgozas attorney Kevin Sullivan. Melgoza sentenced to 14 years after fatal DUI - Bradley Scout Bradley student killed in four-vehicle accident - Peoria Journal Star Hilliard Bradley Student Killed, 4 Others Injured In Roll-Over Crash. A Farmington woman was sentenced Thursday to 14 years in prison for a fatal DUI crash that left two people dead. Bradley student from Chicago slain in double homicide One of Melgozas 14-year sentences and the three-year sentence will be served concurrently with the other 14-year sentence. You're going to jail for reckless homicide tonight. The student also told him that she couldnt wait to join the "DUI Club" and asked for her phone, so she could text all her co-workers since, she said, they all have had DUIs, according to the police report. Former Bradley student Stephanie Melgoza was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Thursday as the result of striking and killing two pedestrians while driving drunk in East Peoria in April 2022. My client did not set out to do this, did not intend to do this, did not foresee that these would be consequences at the location this occurred, Melgozas attorney Kevin Sullivan said. ', Melgoza also sang for the officer when it 'got too quiet.'. "So, no, you're not going to school tomorrow," he added. After the exercises, officers used a breathalyzer and Melgoza laughed just before the test was taken. 'Just your eyes,' the officer reminded her. I dont think you understand that," Bieber snapped at Melgoza, who was sitting in a hospital bed, after the April 10, 2022, crash. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. NBC4 - A Hilliard Bradley student was killed in a | Facebook outside of Bradley Hall. Three smaller charges were dropped during her plea. asked the officer. Your car is the property of the East Peoria Police Department because it's a crime scene. The crash happened weeks before graduation. In disturbing police body camera video obtained by Fox News Digital, Stephanie Melgoza, 24, can be seen singing and smiling after the tragic collision. A Hilliard Bradley student was killed in a roll-over crash on Amity Road Wednesday evening. We are fortunate enough to be set in a beautiful rural village just outside of Skipton and are on the North and West Yorkshire borders.. Our school grounds provide a fantastic learning resource which is used throughout the curriculum opportunities provided to enhance the childrens learning experiences. "They were both deceased on scene. While sitting in the back of the police car, the officer returned to tell her the tragic news about the couple she hit. In Tazewell County Circuit Court on Thursday morning, Melgoza entered a blind plea, meaning that she pled guilty to the four charges against her without accepting a plea deal. SHOCKING footage has emerged of a woman laughing and joking after she killed two people in a drunk-driving crash. Don't test me, but I think I would pass," she told them, as the officer on the scene told her they would very likely be giving her a breathalyzer due to the circumstances. I know what I did. It shows Melgoza clearly intoxicated admitting to the officer that she had three drinks of vodka and water and that her purse contained cannabis which she claimed she had not yet used. Melgoza opted to address the families of the victims in open court. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Haley Chi-Sing contributed to this report. They came out of nowhere. In disturbing police body camera video obtained. Despite her clear drunkenness, she told the officer at the scene: "I am aware of everything. The officer made contact with Melgoza and noticed she had a noticeable odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech and red, watery eyes. ", Frustrated with the situation, he exclaimed, "Did you just hear what I just told you? She admitted to officers that she had three vodka and waters and had cannabis in her purse. She was then placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Our system is based on punishment and rehabilitation. ', The 24-year-old seems more shocked that the event happened to her at all, telling the officer: 'I go to Bradley, why would this happen to me?'. Rebecca Rosenberg is a veteran journalist and book author with a focus on crime and criminal justice. She pleaded guilty to four felonies for aggravated DUI and aggravated reckless driving in February. She also had a vape tucked in the bag. Illinois student smiles, giggles after killing couple in DUI crash According to Tazewell County Circuit Court records, Melgoza, who admitted to striking the pedestrians and called 911, later failed a field sobriety test and had a blood-alcohol content approximately three times the legal limit. While recalling the events, Melgoza said one of the victims 'walked out in front of me' while she was driving toward Full Throttle and said her 'car got hit. Megoza. She started her night at Tavern 41 and was heading to Full Throttle when the accident happened. It was roughly 15 minutes away from where the accident occurred. Andrew Mytelka. At that point, she was placed in handcuffs and placed in the back of a police cruiser -- again denying she hit two people. Young woman laughs after killing two people in drunken crash Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio. week.com Student accused of fatal DUI receives backlash from Bradley community A Bradley student accused of killing two people while driving drunk is set to graduate with the Class of 2022. We understand how important your children are to you and endeavour to provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for your children to enjoy their first steps of learning. Melgoza asked. 4 charged in prank mishap that killed Bradley soccer player If you continue to experience issues, contact us at 202-466-1032 or help@chronicle.com. Roughly a dozen of the victims family members were present in the courthouse for the sentencing. Stephanie Melgoza had a blood alcohol level of .264 three times the legal limit minutes after she killed a couple with her car in Illinois. wcbu.org - Tim Shelley 1d. Instead, the roman candles ignited a blaze so intense that they were unable to rescue Mr. Dahlquist, who was 19. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most drunk she's ever been in her life, Melgoza said she was a 5. An East Peoria police officer arrived on the scene of a traffic accident at approximately 10:16 p.m. on April 10 at the 3300 block of N. Main St. in East Peoria and found a red Dodge Dart with heavy damage and two pedestrians, who were later pronounced deceased at the scene. Photo combination of Paul Prowant and Andrea Rosewicz who were killed in April 2022 in a DUI crash. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. I do not plan on drinking ever again. she then asked. When she asked the officer when she'd be able to go back to school, he harshly explained to her that she had killed two people and would not be seeing school anytime soon. "I promise you, I only know one person got hit. Bodycam video shows drunken driver grinning, joking moments after she killed two people. Shortly after the crash, students held a memorial for the two victims and held a protest, angered by the fact that Melgoza was allowed to attend her graduation ceremony, despite the charges she faced. Four lesser chargers were dismissed earlier this year in exchange for a guilty plea, the Pekins Daily Times reported. The then-Bradley University student was three times over the legal limit and failed every field sobriety test. I know words cant help forget what happened, but Im truly sorry from the bottom of my heart, Melgoza said to the victims families on Thursday. Ashley Borja, 20, of Plainfield was. The officer said: "Did you just hear what I told you? Deputies believe speed was a factor in the crash. We depend on your support to keep telling stories like this one. Two killed in double homicide at Bradley University - MyStateline.com This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Current Bradley student Stephanie Melgoza was arrested on April 12, according to WEEK, following multiple charges from an incident that occurred on April 10. I'm just telling you that information okay. Central Illinois teen convicted of killing Nasjay Murry at Bradley Market data provided by Factset. "You killed two people tonight. After police arrived on scene in April 2022, bodycam footage showed her red Dodge Dot's hood with a large dent in the center and she admitted to police that she was 'just getting her night started,' despite already being three times over the limit. "You are clueless with that clearly. I'm disgusted, Husband of paedophile teacher Kandice Barber 'dumps her & moves on with new girlfriend' despite vowing to stay together, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "Youre on body camera being completely careless about killing two people tonight. Burgeoning hope for campus wifi from Peoria County, A rundown of the best coffee shops in Peoria, Bradley students, faculty feel left in the dark by universitys communication during bomb threat, Enacting the element of surprise: Bradleys Red Response. "I can't do it, sir, I really can't," she told police, before then reportedly blowing three times the legal limit on the breathalyzer. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) More Bradley University students have been speaking out in hopes that the university does not allow Stephanie Melgoza to walk at graduation. Melgoza remained expressionless throughout the family's prepared statements, but was wringing her hands under the table and appeared to be shaking. She'll get credit for two days served in the Tazewell County Jail and additional home confinement time served since the Jan. 1 passage of the SAFE-T Act. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. View our online Press Pack. Bieber asked. On the night of April 10, 2022, Melgoza, who was a senior at Bradley at the time, struck and killed Andrea Rosewicz, 43, of Avon, Ohio and Paul Prowant, 55, of Seattle, Washington with her vehicle while driving near Throttle Bar in East Peoria. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. When she was tested for alcohol intoxication, she failed all tests and laughed the whole way through. Cusack noted that Melgozas timely plea, call to 911 dispatchers, compensation given to victims, no prior criminal history and her not having any intent to commit the crime were taken into account for the sentencing. You want me to be honest with you? However, a day after the vigil, Melgozas name was removed from the approved graduates list. Those identified by an educational psychologist as having a specific learning difficulty are added to the special educational needs register. The deadly crash happened on April 10, 2022 and the aftermath of the accident was caught on police body camera footage. I am a safe driver," she said, after being told there was a second victim. 1:00 PEKIN A Peoria woman faces up to 28 years in prison after being charged this week in connection with a fatal crash that killed two pedestrians in East Peoria. I have to balance them, Cusack said. she said, laughing. The video, released by the Tazewell County Sheriff Department, began with Melgoza telling police she was the one who called 9-1-1, before referencing her college by exclaiming, "I go to Bradley, why would this happen to me?". Dane severs his spinal cord with a switchblade, paralyzing him from the waist down. . Jennifer Prowant, Paul Prowant's sister-in-law, also asked for no leniency. The most likely cause of this is a content blocker on your computer or network. I will never, ever commit anything like that ever again, Melgoza said. We are unable to fully display the content of this page. 1:38 PEORIA A South Peoria man now faces decades behind bars after a Peoria County jury found him guilty of killing two and injuring another, more than two years ago at fraternity party. Paul Prowant, 55, of Avon Lake, and 43-year-old Andrea Rosewicz of Avon were hit by Melgoza's red Dodge Dart just after 10pm. He died of smoke inhalation, and the four students face charges that could land them in prison for decades. Former Bradley student accused of hitting and killing two people Former Bradley student Stephanie Melgoza gets prison for DUI crash Rosewicz enjoyed her life alongside Prowant and both were happy to be in the Peoria area closer to their families and friends. During her sobriety test, she blew an 0.264. ", In the emergency room she then incoherently talked about going to Las Vegas for her birthday in two months' time and said: "I'm gonna start off with two Long Islands.". An insane Dane taunts Bradley, who attempts to apologize. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are okay with it. (MATT DAYHOFF/POOL) Melgoza, senior organizational communications major, faces seven charges in total. Bradley student Stephanie Melgoza was arrested on April 10 for multiple charges relating to the incident. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. After being asked to 'touch the tip of my pen' to indicate she understood the assignment, the young woman proceeded to move her head back and forth, rather than just her eyes.