Investigator Facing Reckless Homicide Charges In Aurora Woman's Death Freed: Court

AURORA, IL — The Will County Public Defender investigator who officials say is responsible for the April 2022 death of an Aurora doctor was freed from jail Thursday.

Maria Aiello faces eight counts of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated driving under the influence in connection to a fatal crash that happened March 15, 2022, on Glenwood Avenue near the St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Ednalice Pagan-Romney, a licensed psychologist, was killed after her car, a 2020 Acura TLX, burst into flames after being rear-ended by a 2015 Chevrolet Trax driven by Aiello at a high rate of speed.

Aiello, of Joliet, emerged from the Will County jail Thursday evening for the first time since 2022. In a hearing, a Kankakee County judge did not find clear and convincing evidence to detain the woman, Patch reported.

Since Aiello works for the Will County court system, her case was assigned to a Kankakee County judge to avoid a conflict of interest with Will County judges.

Instead, the 47-year-old was placed on home confinement and electronic monitoring, the judge ordered Thursday. Aiello was also ordered to complete a drug and alcohol evaluation and comply with its recommendations.

Aiello was booked into custody on Aug. 24, 2022, with her bail set at $500,000.