LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – Jose S. Aguirre, 30, was found guilty on Thursday of all nine counts of aggravated DUI related to a fatal rollover crash in Round Lake that claimed two lives and injured another. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s office confirmed the conviction, which stems from a 2020 incident.

Incident Overview

In the early hours of September 27, 2020, Round Lake police attempted to stop a speeding white Chevy Traverse, allegedly driven by Aguirre. The vehicle reached a speed of 123 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone before crashing into a wooded area near Route 134 and Main Street. The crash resulted in the deaths of Juan Renteria-Becerra, 34, and Edgar Herrera, 30. Another passenger, Jorge Trevino, 32, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Trial and Conviction

Aguirre’s trial, which began on Monday and lasted four days, included testimony from several witnesses and law enforcement officials. Despite Aguirre’s denial of being the driver, witness accounts and the nature of his injuries supported the prosecution’s case. Aguirre is now facing a possible 28-year prison sentence.

Law Enforcement and Community Response

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart emphasized the importance of holding intoxicated drivers accountable for their actions. He highlighted the efforts of the prosecution team in securing justice for the victims’ families and stressed the need for community awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

Detailed Crash Timeline

1. Initial Incident: At approximately 3:20 a.m. on September 27, 2020, Round Lake police observed a white Chevy Traverse speeding.
2. Pursuit: The vehicle, driven by Aguirre, accelerated to 123 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone.
3. Crash: Police ceased the pursuit for safety reasons. Shortly after, the vehicle crashed into a wooded area, striking several trees and rolling over.
4. Fatalities and Injuries: Juan Renteria-Becerra and Edgar Herrera died at the scene, while Jorge Trevino was injured but survived.
5. Investigation: Investigators determined Aguirre’s driving and loss of control due to excessive speed led to the crash.
6. Arrest and Bond: An arrest warrant was issued for Aguirre in October 2021. He was apprehended in December 2022 and held on a $1 million bond.

Legal Proceedings and Future Court Dates

Following his conviction, Aguirre is scheduled to appear in court on July 15 for sentencing. The court will determine his exact prison term, which could be up to 28 years.

Broader Impact of the Case

This case underscores the ongoing battle against drunk driving and its devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people die daily in drunk-driving crashes in the United States, translating to one person every 50 minutes. The economic impact of these crashes is significant, costing approximately $44 billion annually.

Safety Measures and Community Involvement

In response to such incidents, community efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving have intensified. Programs like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local initiatives aim to educate the public, advocate for stronger laws, and support victims’ families.

Call to Action

The tragic events of this case highlight the critical need for vigilance and responsibility among drivers. The community is urged to report suspected drunk drivers and support preventive measures to reduce such preventable tragedies.

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