Crime
Marianne Akers Identified as Driver in Chatham After-School Camp Crash That Killed 4 Children and Injured 6 Others
Toxicology results are pending.
Chatham, Illinois — The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to investigate a tragic vehicle crash that occurred on the afternoon of Monday, April 28, 2025, in Chatham, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, most of them children.
The driver involved in the incident has been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham.
According to authorities, Akers is not currently in custody as the investigation remains ongoing.
However, preliminary information indicates that impairment may have been a factor in the crash.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., a vehicle operated by Akers reportedly left the roadway for unknown reasons, traveled through a field, and entered the east side of the YNOT After School Camp located at 301 Breckenridge Road.
The vehicle continued through the building, striking numerous individuals inside, before exiting through the opposite side of the structure.
Tragically, four victims lost their lives in the crash.
They have been identified as two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals. One remains in critical condition.
Akers, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was not physically injured and was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Multiple eyewitnesses reported that she appeared impaired at the scene. A field sobriety test was conducted and reportedly failed.
Toxicology results are pending.
While investigators have not identified any evidence suggesting the crash was intentional, the possibility of driving under the influence (DUI) remains a central focus.
Witness accounts and early findings indicate intoxication may have contributed to the deadly incident.
Akers is employed with the Chatham School District’s food service department. Authorities have not confirmed whether her employment status is relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Numerous agencies responded to the scene, including ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, ISP Patrol, Crime Scene Services, and Criminal Investigations Division, as well as the Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department, Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sangamon County Coroner.
Illinois State Police issued the following statement:
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected, and to the Chatham community as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”
No further details are being released at this time.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Illinois State Police.
Crime
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.