Man In Beecher Tragedy Wants Lower Bond: Report

JOLIET, IL - A 25-year-old man who lived in Manteno until recently is slated to return to the Will County Courthouse on Friday for a bond reduction hearing. Sean Woulfe appeared in court Wednesday morning, where his lawyer entered a standard plea of not guilty. Woulfe is accused of blowing a stop sign on July 24 in Beecher and traveling at least 75 mph when he collided with Lindsey Schmidt, a pregnant mother, who was driving with her three young sons, according to The Daily Southtown. Woulfe now faces 16 separate counts of reckless homicide, charges that were filed Tuesday by Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow. At the time of Woulfe's arrest, a judge set Woulfe's bond at $1 million, meaning Woulfe must come up with $100,000 bail to remain free pending future court proceedings.

At Wednesday's court hearing, Woulfe's defense lawyer George Lenard asked the judge for an opportunity to lower his client's bond to $250,000, The Daily Southtown reported. That matter will be heard by a judge on Friday.

At Tuesday's press conference, Glasgow and Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley agreed that last month's tragedy was devastating for the Beecher area and the family of victim Lindsey Schmidt. Throughout the investigation, Will County officials remained in regular contact with Lindsey Schmidt's husband, to keep him and other family members in the loop about the status of their investigation.

"Obviously, he's a God-fearing man," Glasgow said. "He deserves tremendous credit. He's a very strong person, a very religious person."

Also during the press conference to talk about defendant Sean Woulfe, Glasgow took a moment to offer his first-hand observations about young adult drivers. He's alarmed by some of their driving habits.

"I'm on the road. I see young people speeding and cutting in between other cars. I just shudder to think the next corner we go around, you're going to see a wreckage," Glasgow said. "So, it's not worth it. You're not only endangering yourself, but everybody else on the roadway when you act recklessly behind the wheel and you have to pay attention ..."

Booking mugshot via Will County Sheriff's Department