Woman, 23, Killed In DUI Crash In Aurora: Police

AURORA, IL — A 23-year-old woman was killed in a crash late Saturday night that Aurora police said was caused by a repeat drunk driver, who was also seriously injured.

The preliminary investigation indicates the woman, driving a blue Hyundai sedan, was headed west on Butterfield Road when she attempted to turn left onto southbound Church Road and was struck by an eastbound gray Toyota pickup truck, police said Tuesday.

Paramedics brought the woman, whose identity has not yet been released, to Mercy Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. The driver of the Toyota, identified as 30-year-old Irven Pinedo, was taken to another hospital, where he remains in critical condition, as of Tuesday, police said.

The Kane County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy of the woman Monday to determine the cause and manner of death.

Pinedo, of Aurora, was charged with the following:

• Five counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death
• Five counts of aggravated driving under the influence – third violation
• Reckless homicide
• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon

Pinedo was also issued misdemeanor and petty offense citations, including three counts of driving under the influence and one count of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

"This is a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of a young life, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones," Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement. "As our investigators continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding this crash, it is an important reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when someone chooses to drive while impaired."

As the investigation remains ongoing, police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at 630-256-5330 or tips@aurora.il.us.