Oswego Man Given Prison Term 2 Years After Crash Killed Pedestrian

OSWEGO, IL — A 21-year-old Oswego man guilty of reckless homicide was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison Oct. 13, two years after killing a pedestrian in a crash preceded by phone usage and speeding, according to Kendall County prosecutors.

Jaylin Buckner's sentence is composed of 3.5 years for one count of reckless homicide to be served concurrently with a 2-year term for one count of aggravated unlawful use of an electronic communication device.

The court could impose a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for the reckless homicide charge.

The Oswego man was charged following a fatal crash on July 1, 2021. Investigators found that the then-19-year-old was speeding east on Mill Road, toward Lynx Lane, when he hit a pedestrian, Antonio Villarreal, who was in the crosswalk. The 32-year-old man was "violently" thrown in the air and died from the impact, according to the Kendall County State's Attorney's Office.

During their investigation, Oswego police officers determined Buckner was driving about 60 mph in a 35 mph zone and didn't apply his brakes before crashing. Officers also found he was actively using Snapchat right before hitting Villarreal.

Buckner, of Otter Way, pled guilty on May 30, 2023. He was taken into custody to begin his prison sentence following his sentencing Oct. 13.