Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the arrest and charges against 18-year-old Shane R. Wieck Jr. of Crete. Wieck Jr. was charged with four counts of reckless homicide (Class 3 Felony) and two counts of aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death (Class 2 Felony).
On October 6, 2021, at approximately 5:30 a.m., ISP responded to a single-unit crash on Illinois Rt. 394 southbound near Goodenow Road in Will County. Unit 1, driven by Wieck Jr., was driving southbound on Rt. 394 when it lost control and ran off the roadway, struck a utility pole, overturned, and struck another utility pole. The passenger in the vehicle, 18-year-old William E. Earls of Munster, Indiana, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
After a thorough investigation by ISP Zone 1 West Violent Crime Unit (VCU), agents brought their case to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. On March 30, 2023, a Will County grand jury indicated Wieck Jr. on the above-mentioned charges. A direct indictment warrant was issued for Wieck Jr.’s arrest, and on May 30 ISP VCU agent’s arrested Wieck Jr.
On May 31, Wieck had his first court appearance and was given a $25,000 bond, 10 percent to apply. Wieck is being held at the Will County Jail. No further information will be disseminated.
The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.