A Peoria County Judge sentenced a Peoria teenager to the max sentence in prison, even though probation was an option, for the death of a 15-year-old Bartonville girl on June 20, 2023. Clayton T. Bell, 18, was sentenced to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for the drunk driving accident that killed Mia Duseck on February 27, 2022, in the 6700 block of W. Pfieffer Road. Mia Duseck was heard screaming from the backseat moments before the fatal crash and a font seat passenger was heard on the video begging Bell to slow down and “value your life!”. Clayton Bell plead guilty to Aggravated DUI and Reckless Homicide on March 16, 2023, for the single-vehicle crash where he has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .14 and was driving in excess of 80 MPH in a 30 MPH zone.
Assistant State’s Attorney, Brenda McCavitt, passionately argued for the maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and the Honorable Judge John Vespa agreed. Bell was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence in an Illinois Prison. He must serve 85% of the sentence.
The obituary for Mia Duseck said “Mia was a sophomore at Limestone Community High School. She was an incredible athlete, but an even better human being. Always with a smile and warm caring heart, she had a magnetic personality and became instant friends with everyone she met. In her younger years, Mia enjoyed riding horses and competing in barrel racing. She loved sports, playing basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball and running track. She was friends with her teammates and opponents alike, and she will be missed by everyone. Mia treasured her family above all. Everyone who knew her adored her. She was a bright light and will be loved eternally.”
