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.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.