Connect with us

Crime

Marianne Akers Identified as Driver in Chatham After-School Camp Crash That Killed 4 Children and Injured 6 Others

Toxicology results are pending.

Published

on

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

AMBER Alert issued for 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora in Austin, suspect Henry Mejia located

Published

on

AMBER Alert issued for 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora in Austin, suspect Henry Mejia located 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Authorities have released a significant update regarding the AMBER Alert issued in Austin, Texas.

Law enforcement officials confirm that the suspect connected to the case has been located, and the red 2017 Ford Mustang believed to have been involved has been recovered.

However, 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora remains missing.

Officials emphasize that the search for the child is ongoing and that she may still be in danger.

Missing Juvenile Information

Name: Jazzlyn Anzora
Age: 12
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 140 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Advertisement

Jazzlyn was last seen around 12:00 a.m. on February 24 in the 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway in North Austin.

At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing:

  • A red sweater
  • A white long-sleeve shirt
  • Christmas-themed pants
  • Carrying a Nike backpack

Suspect Information

Authorities previously identified the suspect as 18-year-old Henry Mejia.

Description:

  • Black hair
  • Brown eyes
  • Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall
  • Approximately 170 pounds
  • Distinct shaved line on one eyebrow

Officials have confirmed that the suspect has now been located.

Further details regarding his status have not yet been released.

Vehicle Information (Recovered)

The vehicle believed to be associated with the case has been recovered.

Advertisement

Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Year: 2017
Color: Red
License Plate: VVK2712 (Texas)
Additional Identifiers: Aftermarket chrome wheels and a white logo sticker on the passenger-side window

Ongoing Search Efforts

The AMBER Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety following Jazzlyn’s disappearance.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation and coordinate search efforts.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the child safely.

How to Report Information

Anyone with information regarding Jazzlyn Anzora’s whereabouts is urged to:

Advertisement
  • Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate sighting
  • Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at 512-974-0845 (Option 3)

Officials stress that locating the missing child safely remains the top priority.


Continue Reading