Reckless Homicide Charge Filed In Crash That Killed Elgin Woman

WHEATON, IL — A Warrenville man was charged with reckless homicide in the aftermath of a fiery crash that killed a young woman in Wheaton early Saturday afternoon. Data from the black box of the driver's Camaro shows that Brian Thunderkick, 62, of Pierre Curie Lane, had accelerated to 135 mph before the crash took place near the intersection of Naperville and Butterfield Roads, police say. The victim has been identified as Erika Villagomez, 23, of Elgin.

Responding to a report of a fatal crash at approximately 11 a.m., police found the Honda Accord driven by Villagomez engulfed in flames. Villagomez was pronounced dead at the scene and Thunderkick was taken into custody. Butterfield Road was closed near the site of the crash as DuPage Accident Reconstruction Task Force conducted an extensive investigation.

"On Saturday, despite the heroic efforts of citizens and law enforcement, Erika Villagomez’s life came to a horrible, fiery end, all because Mr. Thunderkick allegedly wanted to see how fast he could drive," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said as he offered his condolences to the victim's family after the sentencing.

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Berlin added, “Mr. Thunderkick’s outrageous behavior and apparent disregard for public safety, as alleged in this case, will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law."

Thunderkick is being held at DuPage County Jail on $150,000 bond. He is set to appear in court on October 30.

Written by Lisa Marie Farver