MADISON COUNTY, Ill. – A woman was charged after a father of two was killed in a crash in Madison County in January. The woman was accused of driving under the influence and going the wrong way on Interstate 255.
Amanda K. Runtz, 22, was charged Monday by the Madison County State's Attorney. The 22-year-old is facing on four charges including reckless homicide and driving under the influence after police said she caused the crash that killed 30-year-old Marlon D. Burford and sent another man to the hospital.
Charging documents said she had a controlled substance in her urine after an unlawful use or consumption of the substance. That substance was benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, which can be used as a muscle relaxant or to treat anxiety and other conditions.
Witnesses told police she made a U-turn and was heading southbound in the northbound lane when she struck two cars, including Burford's. Burford was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and the other man was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Runtz was charged with driving while under the influence causing death, driving while under the influence, reckless homicide and reckless driving. Her bond was set at $250,000.
