Crime
Sangamon County Coroner Identifies Four Young Victims in Fatal Crash at YNOT Daycare in Chatham
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office has officially released the names of the four young victims tragically killed in the April 28 crash at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon identified the deceased as:
- Ainsley Johnson, age 8, of Chatham
- Rylee Britton, age 18, of Springfield
- Kathryn Corley, age 7, of Chatham
- Alma Buhnerkempe, age 7, of Chatham
These individuals lost their lives when a vehicle drove off the roadway and crashed through the east side of the after-school facility, fatally striking several people inside before exiting through the opposite wall.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the YNOT After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road.
The vehicle, driven by 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham, left the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation, traveled through an open field, and entered the building—resulting in the deaths of the four victims and injuring six other children, one of whom remains in critical condition.
According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), Akers—who was the sole occupant of the vehicle—was not physically injured in the crash but was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Toxicology results are currently pending.
While the incident is not believed to be a targeted attack, DUI is suspected based on witness statements and field sobriety testing conducted at the scene, which Akers allegedly failed.
Multiple witnesses reported observing signs of intoxication.
At this time, Akers has not been taken into custody, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Akers is employed by the Chatham School District in its food services department.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Chatham and Springfield communities.
Among the victims was Ainsley Johnson, a beloved young dancer at the Springfield Movement Dance Complex (SMDC). In a heartfelt tribute, the dance studio shared the impact of Ainsley’s loss:
“Ainsley brought so much light and joy into our studio. Her bright smile, her bold spirit, and her love for dance left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her. She was sweet, sassy, and full of life. Miss Mariah said it best: ‘Ainsley gave me so much HIPHOP tude in class and I lived for it. Her smile was so bright, and she danced like she meant it.’ We are devastated and keeping her family, especially her sister, in our deepest prayers.”
The SMDC also extended its love and support to Emma and Mia, two additional dancers from the studio who were hospitalized following the crash and are currently recovering.
The response to the crash involved multiple agencies, including ISP’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, Crime Scene Services, Criminal Investigations, as well as the Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department, Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and Sangamon County Coroner’s Office.
This remains an active investigation.
The Illinois State Police and community leaders continue to offer their heartfelt condolences to the families, victims, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.
Anyone with information relevant to the crash is urged to contact the Illinois State Police.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.