Westmont Man Guilty In 'Horrific' Crash That Split Car: SAO

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A Westmont man was found guilty of multiple felonies linked to a crash that split the car he was driving in two and killed his passenger. Onecimo Vazquez-Velazquez, 31, was convicted of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide in connection with the 2018 crash, which claimed the life of Annajeanne Dewey.

According to authorities, Vazquez-Velazquez, drove at a high rate of northbound down Fairview Avenue in Downers Grove. Vazquez-Velazquez reportedly tried to pass a car near the intersection of Fairview and 55thStreet, but lost control of the car and hit a tree.

The impact caused the car to split in two and killed Dewey, police said. Vazquez-Velazquez reportedly had a "strong odor of alcohol" on his breath when police arrived at the scene. Over an hour after the crash, police say Vazquez-Velazquez had a BAC of .077.

Vazquez-Velazquez has been in custody since the crash.

At Vazquez-Velazquez's hearing, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "Just over one year ago, Annajeanne Dewey was killed in a crash so horrific it split the vehicle in which she was a passenger in half. An investigation into the crash revealed that the driver of that vehicle, Onecimo Vazquez-Velazquez had been drinking before getting behind the wheel. Sadly, because of the irresponsible and reckless actions of Mr. Vazquez-Velazquez, Annajeanne’s life was taken from her as she took her place as a statistic of drunk driving. I offer my sincerest condolences to Annajeanne’s family and friends on their tremendous loss."

Vazquez-Velazquez will appear in court again on Nov. 20.