Illinois Driver Charged with Murder in Fatal Head-On Collision
Authorities allege Jamie Rhode deliberately crashed her vehicle into a semi-truck, causing the death of a passenger.
An Illinois woman has been charged with murder after allegedly intentionally driving her car head-on into a semi-truck, resulting in the death of one of her passengers. Jamie Rhode, of Griggsville, faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on July 24 on US 54 near rural Atlas. Police stated that Rhode crossed a double yellow line and collided with the oncoming truck, with the "intent of killing all occupants of her vehicle." Rhode and her two passengers sustained serious injuries in the crash. One passenger, 73-year-old Cherie Wells of Pittsfield, later died from her injuries. The driver of the semi-truck also suffered injuries.
Rhode was arrested on Tuesday. Her relationship with the deceased passenger and the motive behind the alleged actions remain unclear. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Pike County State Attorney’s Office have not provided further details.
This case bears similarities to other recent incidents involving deliberate vehicle collisions. In Florida, a woman was recently found guilty of killing her boyfriend by crashing her car into a tree at high speed after learning she was pregnant. Additionally, Mackenzie Shirilla, known as the "Hell on Wheels" killer, is serving a life sentence for intentionally crashing her car into a brick warehouse, killing her boyfriend and his friend in Ohio. A recent bid by Shirilla to have her case reopened was denied by an Ohio judge.