Carmella S. Larson

Carmella S. Larson

 submitted photo

Carmella S. Larson, the woman accused of a fatal DUI that killed a 15-year-old boy and injured his 16-year-old brother, had a blood alcohol content of .186, more than twice the legal limit, according to prosecutors.

On Monday, Larson pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a judge agreed to lower her bond to $100,000 from $250,000. She still was in the county jail on Wednesday. Larson's attorney, Dawn Landwehr, told Judge Susan Tungate that Larson, 33, has no history of abusing alcohol or drugs, has no prior DUI arrests and that the stop sign at the intersection of Illinois Route 17 and 19000W Road was missing the night of the crash. It has since been replaced.

During Larson's first court appearance this week, family and friends for both sides were in the courtroom, including the boys' mother, Trina Wesemann, and their sister.

The May 15 crash killed Kameron Allison and seriously injured his brother, Kyuss.

Larson, a mother of two children, has been charged with six counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. Two of the counts are DUI causing death, which carry a possible sentence of three to 14 years if convicted. The other counts have possible sentences of one to 12 years.

If released on bond, Larson must wear an alcohol monitor. Her next court date is Aug. 2.

"I am concerned about the safety of the community," Tungate said. "We already have one death. She has no record. But there are many drivers repeatedly over the limit and don't pick up a DUI."

Landwehr said in an interview that Larson was knocked unconscious in the crash and doesn't remember any of it. She spent a couple of days in the hospital, and still suffers dizziness and vertigo, Landwehr said.

Larson's boyfriend, Nathan Lockhart, also was injured. The couple was driving home to St. Anne after visiting friends in Wilmington. Her children, ages 10 and 6, were spending the weekend with their father, Landwehr said.

At the time of the crash, Larson was working at South Shore Golf Course in the office and in the bar on Saturdays. She is no longer employed and has not driven since the accident, Landwehr said.

Landwehr said Larson quit a job as a cook last year because it conflicted with child care.

Larson was arrested Friday by Illinois State Police after a grand jury indicted her Thursday.

Kankakee County Assistant State's Attorney Val Gunderson said the arrest came five weeks after the accident because they were awaiting several reports. They still are awaiting other reports and results, she said.

Kevin and Debbie Grob live just more than a half mile from the delay crash site on 19000N Road.

"I'm surprised there haven't been more accidents out there. People fly by on our road," said Debbie Grob. "There have been a few that missed the stop and ended up in the field."