JOLIET — A Wilmington man charged in a 2024 crash that killed a beloved Orland Park man and Illinois State Trooper has opted not to take a plea deal, instead asking for a jury trial, according to court records.
Trooper Clay Carns, 35, died Dec. 23, 2024, after being struck while clearing debris from the southbound lanes of I-55. His squad car had been parked on the shoulder, with lights on, when he was hit by a pickup truck driven by John Fleet, 70, of Wilmington.
Carns—an Orland Park resident, husband and father of two—died from his injuries an hour later. Carns had served with the Illinois State Police for more than a decade.
Fleet was charged with a class 4 felony under Scott's Law and a second offense of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He faces a sentence ranging from probation to three years in prison for the violation of Scott's Law, which states that drivers must move over or significantly slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights.
After multiple continuances and with a final plea offer previously extended in May, Fleet's attorney, Dan Walsh, on Thursday told Will County Judge John Connor that he wants to go to trial. A trial date has been set for Jan. 11, 2027.
Carns' family—who have previously shared frustration over the delays in the case—told Patch they remain proud of Carns and will await the outcome of the case.
"Our family remains proud of the full and meaningful life Clay lived, marked by joy, love, and purpose," Erica Raciak, Carns' sister, said in a statement provided to Patch. "We have confidence in the judicial process to ensure full accountability and justice. Out of respect for the ongoing court proceedings, we will not be providing additional interviews or statements at this time. We are grateful for your continued thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult journey."
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Carns' wife, Meghan, has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Fleet. Filed in August 2025, the suit accuses Fleet of several counts of negligence, including failure to exercise reasonable care in the ownership, operation, management, maintenance and control of his vehicle.
"As a direct and proximate result of one or more of the aforementioned acts and or omissions, plaintiff's descendant, Clay Carns, sustained injuries resulting in his death on Dec. 23, 2024," Meghan Carns' lawsuit declared. The lawsuit seeks a monetary judgment in excess of $50,000 against Fleet. The suit remains active, with a status hearing for settlement set for Sept. 29, according to court records.
Meanwhile, efforts to memorialize Carns continue.
Led by his brother Chad in coordination with trooper-run non-profit Got Your 6 Foundation, efforts to memorialize Carns continue. Plans include a park to honor his life and service, to be built in their hometown of Pinckneyville, Illinois. The park is envisioned to include a sculpture of Carns posed in uniform. The monument would be a fitting tribute to Carns, who dedicated 11 years as an ISP officer assigned to Troop 3.
He was recognized as one of the 100 Club of Illinois 2024 Valor Award recipients. The award is presented annually to police officers, firefighters and paramedics who, by their actions, performed above and beyond the call of duty and in the highest traditions of their respective departments, according to the 100 Club of Illinois' website.
Last month, State Sen. Emil Jones III announced that his push to rename a portion of I-55 after Carns had been successful. Both chambers adopted the resolution, and I-55 from mile marker 243 to 244—both southbound and northbound—is now designated as the "ISP Trooper Clay M. Carns Memorial Highway."
"Trooper Carns died doing the same thing he had done every day for 11 years—diligently and faithfully serving the people of Illinois," said Jones (D-Chicago). "This resolution is only a small token of our immense gratitude for his life and service."
The family called the dedication a fitting memorial for the man they loved, who was so devoted to public service.
"Our family is incredibly grateful for the people who have worked so hard to keep Clay's memory alive," Carns' family told Patch in June. "Even a year and a half later, we are still overwhelmed with the stories of the lives he touched during his time on this earth. We couldn't think of a more deserving man to honor than our Clay. He was a man of deep integrity, steady courage, with a heart for others. What an honor to see his name when driving past a place that brings our family such pain."
Fleet is next set to appear in court on Sept. 24 for pretrial motions and discovery.
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