Man Charged In Fatal Wheaton Crash Pleads Not Guilty

WHEATON, IL — A Warrenville man accused of driving his Camaro at 135 mph and causing a young Elgin woman's car to burst into flames and kill her has plead not guilty to reckless homicide charges. Brian Thunderkick, 62, entered his not guilty plea Monday, just one week after he missed his arraignment because he was being treated for mental health issues. Thunderkick was allegedly going 135 mph when he rear-ended a Honda Accord driven by Erika Villagomez, 22, of Elgin.

Thunderkick posted $15,000 of his $150,000 bail and was released in October after Judge George Bakalis denied a request by the prosecution to increase bail to $2 million. At the time, prosecutors also sought additional charges based on the fact that barbiturates were found in Thunderkick's urine.

Bakalis said that there was not enough evidence at the time for additional charges. As of Monday, prosecutors were still awaiting results from more extensive DUI testing on Thunderkick, according to Daily Herald, which posted an image of Thunderkick entering the courthouse with the aid of a walker.

Thunderkick is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 19.

>>Image via Wheaton Police