Two people are dead after a 22-year-old woman failed to yield to a temporary Maintenance Zone and struck both workers. On October 18, 2023, the Illinois State Police responded to a fatal crash on Highway 34 in Henderson County for the death of two maintenance workers in a temporary maintenance zone on the Great River Bridge as it crosses the Mississippi River. Emily R. Johnson, 22, of Gladstone was allegedly driving her vehicle on Highway 34 in the right lane when she failed to yield to the maintenance zone and struck and killed Pearson J Franklin, 20, of New London, Iowa, and Andrew S Whitcomb, 35, of Burnside, Illinois.
State’s Attorney Rachel Mast requested that the Appellate Prosecutor’s Office be appointed to handle the prosecution of Emily R. Johnson to avoid the appearance of impropriety or conflict. Special Prosecutor Brian J. Towne has been assigned the case. Judge David Vancil Jr. and Judge Raymond Cavanaugh recused themselves from the case. A request was sent to the Chief Judge for judicial assignment.
Emily Johnson is charged with Two (2) Counts of Reckless Homicide in a Construction Zone (Class 2 Felonies) and Two (2) Counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of an Electronic Communication (Class 4 Felonies). Bond was set $150,000 (10%). Emily Johnson posted bond and a First Appearance and Preliminary Hearing are scheduled for May 3, 2023 at 11 AM. Reckless Homicide with two or more deaths in a single incident while driving in a construction or maintenance zone carries a possible sentence of 6 to 28 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
