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.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.