A Marengo man has pleaded guilty to driving drunk when he crashed into a woman on a go-kart and fled the scene, leaving her to die near Marengo in 2018.
Brett J. Herold, 29, of the 2600 block of Constance Lane in Marengo, was indicted on charges of aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving death, leaving the scene of an accident involving death and obstructing justice.
The incident happened around 10:20 p.m. on September 22, 2018, in the 22200 block of River Road in unincorporated Marengo.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said the crash involved a 2011 Toyota Camry and a Manco Go-Kart.
Authorities said that Yajayra Huerta, 29, of Elgin, was driving the go-kart westbound on River Road. The Toyota, driven by Herold, was also driving westbound.
The Toyota struck the back of the go-kart and then Herold fled the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
Huerta was transported by ambulance to Northwestern Woodstock Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was the only occupant of the go-kart.
Herold was located by police a short time later and taken into custody. He was not injured in the crash.
On Thursday, Herold appeared in court and entered into a negotiated plea deal where he pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence, a Class A misdemeanor, and aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
In exchange, the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office dismissed Herold’s additional charges.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18.