Minor Girl Charged with Murder after Illinois Car Crash

 Posted on December 27, 2013 in Personal Injury

Four youths were involved in a car crash in Olympia Fields that claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy the day after Thanksgiving, as reported by The chtribune. The driver, who is 13 years old, and the two other youth passenger were hospitalized, and have since been released having suffered only minor injuries. The police believe both speed and the driver's inexperience were factors in the crash, in which the car hit a tree. Police declined to release any further details on the accident.

Although the minimum age required to obtain a driver's license in the state of Illinois is 16 years old, all of the occupants of the vehicle were under 16. Their specific ages and any further identifying information was not released by police since they are all minors.

Almani Creamer was in the back seat, reportedly wearing his seatbelt when the car crashed. His mother was notified by police that her son was injured in a car accident, but she did not learn of his death until she reached St. James Hospital. He was supposed to spend the day at home as punishment for missing school assignments. His mother was aware he left the house because of a security feature she had installed on her cell phone, and had expected to scold him and take him home when she originally learned of the accident. She began her own investigation into her son's death on Thanksgiving.

Later, the Huffington Post reported that the 13-year-old girl who was driving the car at the time of the fatal accident was charged with homicide. The girl, whose name was not released due to her age, has been charged with reckless homicide, reckless conduct, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. She has been arraigned and released into her mother's custody.

Friends and neighbors of the boy and his family are shaken up, especially since the area where the family lived in Olympia Fields is particularly close-knit. Although Creamer and his family moved to the area relatively recently, neighbors expressed their condolences and said his presence would certainly be missed.

Any auto accident involving a fatality is tragic and distressing, but one involving such a young victim is particularly alarming, especially considering the circumstances of this particular case. While the driver's actions here have formed the basis of a criminal act, the same actions can form the basis of a civil lawsuit involving reckless or negligent conduct. If you or someone you know was hurt or killed in an auto accident in the Chicago area, an experienced attorney can advise you of your rights and guide you through the legal process in getting the justice you deserve. We have experienced Illinois car accident attorneys who can discuss your case with you. Contact us today.