The Illinois State Police has announced the arrest of a 21-year-old Chicago woman in connection to a double fatal crash on Eisenhower Expressway. 21-year-old Ashanti Gates is charged with two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, two counts of Reckless Homicide, and Child Endangerment.
Troopers responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 290 west of Paulina Avenue on June 2, 2024. ISP says a white Toyota sedan had pulled over to the right shoulder with a flat tire and its hazard lights on.
Three occupants exited the vehicle to change the flat. A black Hyundai Sonata allegedly driven by Gates hit the parked Toyota and two of the occupants. 18-year-old Erik Cox and 18-year-old Shaelyn Sherwood succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The third occupant was not struck. ISP says there were five occupants in the Hyundai including a four-year-old male. Gates, the child, and another person from the Hyundai were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The charges were approved by the Cook County State’s Attorney on June 3, 2024. At this time, Gates is being held at the Chicago Police Department 11th District.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.