You need to stop using nonplussed. It sounds ridiculous.

Why would aggravated driving under the influence carry a stiffer penalty than reckless homicide?
"Potential charges include aggravated driving under the influence, which is a class two felony that can lead to a prison sentence of three to 14 years, or reckless homicide, a class three felony that can lead to probation or up to five years in prison"

Since Donna asked -- and in the context of this particular event -- Rousso could be charged with aggravated DUI if there is evidence that she killed another person while under the influence (reckless homicide while also DUI). Rousso could be charged with just reckless homicide if there is evidence that she recklessly killed another person (whether she was under the influence or not).

The more recklessly a person is behaving, the harsher the penalty when that recklessness affects other people.

Jason shouldn't reckless homicide carry a harsher penalty than aggravated DUI?

neither are intentional but being under the influence during it brings about stronger consequences b/c it's a higher degree of recklessness. a lot of times they combine charges so it might be a charge of reckless homicide and agg DUI. This case could definitely go that way especially considering witness corroboration.

Kudos to HPPD for making sure a blood test and urinalysis was obtained.

Has anyone looked at her twitter account. She tweeted two years ago that she was her drivers ed classes best drunk driver and is the designated drunk driver.

I was really shock and saddened that a five year old girl died because an 18 year old Highland Park girl, who if I am understanding correctly, her father has huge ties with the community was not arrested and charged until Wednesday, when the mayor submitted a letter! Last I heard this mom is still in the hospital the other two kids were injured and the family is dealing with a sudden death! Give me a break! Highland Park Police and Lake County acted faster on a robbery over the summer than a death of a child! Something is wrong with this picture! I have heard about her twitter account, supposedly there is stuff on her facebook account too! What is going on in Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools with these children?!?!?!?!?! It happens everywhere in the Northshore, I know, but at some point of time we need to really examine what the hell is going on and what we can do to stop this!

After 150 comments on the original post demanding answers, I am surprised at the relative silence on this issue. Jacob, it's still not clear to me - if a ticket was issued at the scene or immediately following by Highland Park Police, why couldn't Highland Park Police release the name as they do with other incidents?

The handling in this case just appears markedly different than the 2010 case involving New Trier High School Student. Yes, the student at time fled the scene, but her bond was set at $500,000, not $50,000 and there was no homicide involved!

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-05-17/news/ct-met-new-trier-hit-run-20100517_1_hughes-attorney-cook-county-jail-drug-test-results

With the relative ease of submitting FOIA request it's unlikely the city tried to hide this information for the simple fact its going to be released anyway. I think it just came down to making sure they had the appropriate charge based on toxicology during a holiday. From previous posts on other pages it's sounds like it was a synthetic drug not normally found on a standard test. I've read every post regarding this incident. Sounds like the PD and the States Attorney wanted to really look over all the evidence and get it right the first time because they knew it was going to be a high profile case. I'm certain the Mayor's two cents had nothing to do with the ongoing investigation unless it got the toxicology report back sooner on a holiday. Some people are so fast to judge law enforcement without truley understanding it. People need to keep emotions in check and focus on the task which in this case is justice for the family and the people in this community.

Why didn't the Mayor call her own police department before she flamed the fire by accusing the States Attorney of wrongdoing? A simple call to the police department would hve verified that initial charges were filed Monday. Great job mayor. Playing around at the Democratice convention causiing problems hear because you can not communicate with your own police department. You should apologize to the hard working men and woman at the Lake County States Attorneys office.
By the way, when the home invasion occurred in Highland Park this summer the names of the suspects were not released for a few days also.

Marine Sniper

9:06 am on Friday, September 7, 2012

I can accept your explanation of police procedure and their cautiousness in releasing pertinent information on the assumption this would be a high profile case. But I do not accept why they felt they had the "right" to conceal Miss Rousso's identity.
"The driver's identity was not revealed on Monday because charges had not been filed yet, according to a news release sent out Monday afternoon by the Highland Park Police Department." Statement from article.
"she'd been cited with "driving under the influence of an intoxicating compound ", again, statement from article.
"Charges" and "being cited", are not they one in the same?
The point "jbeach" brings up, the 2010 case involving New Trier High School Student, should be taken seriously and not dismissed.
This community will not accept this explanation, nor should they.
Your statement that, " Some people are so fast to judge law enforcement without truley understanding it" is an unfair accusation.
They are what I refer to as CONCERNED people and people whom care about who, why, and how their community is governed.
They are not people whom will accept it as truth, if they are told there are two moons.
---Semper Fi!

There is certainly nothing wrong with questioning why something is so. Seeking more knowledge is always encouraged no matter the topic. My earlier statement is accurate. "Some people " like a smear campaign over knowledge.

When are hey going to cite the parents? This kid was not only brought up with dysfunctional parents but parents who did not even both to supervise their own kid. 18 years old and drunk or whatever driving an $75,000 car which I am sure her daddy let her use means to me the parent should be sited and have some jail time also.

Mr. Perez. You seem to have a major chip on your shoulder playing this incident as a racial matter. You are just wrong. It didn't matter to the police what the race of the child was. They followed procedure. Meanwhile the community has come together for the support of the victims family. Give your race baiting paranoia a break.

@Theodore Perez,
Your belief that special treatment was afforded Miss Rousso and her family is my belief, also. I will not detour from my stand or belief that the parents of Miss Rousso were given comforted assurance by the HP Police Department that their child would not be subjugated to the "ridicule" of public opinion, knowing this would undoubtedly be a high-profile case.

I in fact hope the lawyers representing the 5-year-old child, Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento, in court, will legally determine that all those involved did unconscionably and biasedly negate the right of the public, in the public's foreclosure and exposure of it's right to know.

One day, not in my lifetime, all law enforcement and those whom have been delegated power, by the people, will come to realize the people are the true law of it's own established society, and NOT those whom have only been delegated to represent that populace.
Until then we have those whom arrogantly believe they are able to "interrupt" the law to accommodate themselves and those whom "accommodate" them.
---Semper Fi!

While we are at it, maybe a little housecleaning is in order at the PD. With the recent shakeups in other departments, it may be the logical thing to do. just a thought.

?.....1 killed and 3 others injured? why is it not 4 counts?

1. In a small community such as HP, releasing information prematurely is a rush to judgement. People condemn immediately based on the scanty and half-arsed reports already.
2. Those of you who blame parents for the actions of an 18-year old have almost certainly never had teenagers. Teens do stupid, thoughtless things all the time, and parents have very little to no control. You who are condemning the parents, I ask you: when you were a teen, did you never do anything stupid and thoughtless? Did your parents have control of what you did? Bah. Nonsense. You were just lucky that your stupidity didn't result in tragedy. This is a horrible tragedy for the Rousso family as well.

For the record,
What Carly has done is horrible. Use whatever adjective you choose. HOWEVER, I have know her and her family for 18 years. She has the most wonderful and supportive of the community parents I have had the pleasure of knowing. That said, these accusations of "community ties corrupting the case" needs to stop. You are not the police, you do not know anything more than anyone else does. Take a deep breath. One life has been taken, lets not take another one.

Just a friendly reminder to those commenting here: no profanity or name-calling. This is a tragic story. Let's keep the discussion about it respectful. Thanks.

What about the fact that in 2009 Carly was mauled by a pit bull and had extensive reconstructive surgeryon her face. What if she was not abusing drugs, but instead taking them as prescribed for pain? I do not condone drug abuse... But what of this was an adverse reaction?? Things aren't always as they seem

What about the fact that in 2009 Carly was mauled by a pit bull and had extensive reconstructive surgeryon her face. What if she was not abusing drugs, but instead taking them as prescribed for pain? I do not condone drug abuse... But what if this was an adverse reaction?? Things aren't always as they seem

Everyday in the Chicago newspapers, there are tragedies whether via gang warefare, shootings, etc. These stories may get mention in a column here and there, and perhaps a bit of airtime on the local news. BUT, because this is the north shore, it's being construed as a "have" vs a "have not" story. I think the mayor getting involved is preposterous. Is this a nod to her Latino constiuents with whom our community could not thrive without? Or is it a nod that we have come a long way since the racial profiling story that gained national attention earlier in the decade? Let the police department and the states attys.do their job. No one should rush to pass judgement. This is a sad and tragic story. I feel horrible for both families involved.

This comment was posted by Daniel on
10:47 am on Friday, September 7, 2012

"Mr. Perez. You seem to have a major chip on your shoulder playing this incident as a racial matter. You are just wrong. It didn't matter to the police what the race of the child was. They followed procedure. Meanwhile the community has come together for the support of the victims family. Give your race baiting paranoia a break."

@Jacob Nelson
I don't see how you can more slyly call someone a racist.
Why wasn't this comment deleted or not posted by site moderator in the first place.
---Semper Fi!

HP resident...there is no defense for what she did. Who drives accross 2 lanes of traffic in a 30 mph zone. It always takes some sympathetic fool like you to stir things up! You must be a friend of the family. Anyone who drinks like that and you say the parents might not know is an idiot! Any parent who allows their kid to drive knowing she has a problem is an idiot! Show some interest in your child instead of worrying about where your next $ is coming from. Also, being mauled by a pit bull...hmmmm...pot will help that - right? Wasn't she busted for weed a couple years back? Most importantly, don't say there are 2 grieving families - there would be none without this mess of a girl Carly! Kudos to the police for getting the blood and urine samples - because if they hadn't, you'd have a real problem with it being a racial issue. Friends of the deceased girl...my prayers go out to you....it won't be a racial issue and don't dwell on that - the proper charges were filed and will be added to. If they came late it's only to get it right - i'm sure. Give her 15 years in jail (with no parole) to teach her and her parents a lesson. THERE IS NO EXCUSE OR EXPLANATION FOR THIS CRIME - SHE MIGHT AS WELL HAVE PULLED OUT A GUN AND SHOT THE FAMILY.

You people are so hung up on the police not releasing her name right away as if it's a big cover up. That is totally ridiculous. Police reports can be foia'd by any half wit reporter. It's not the police's job to put the name out there right away. They have enough work to do on the case.

To think that this case is going to be covered up when all the records are public and it goes to court in a courtroom open to the public is ignorant. There is no cover up and the race of the victim and offender are irrelevant.

Why would the police go out of their way to publish her name right away? So every attorney from here to Chicago contacts the family and tells them not to say a word to the police.

Anybody who knows the way a criminal investigation really goes understands that the less info out there during the investigation the better.

Good work HPPD

Why does everyone always enjoy the intrigue of conspiracy theories? Political intrigue, racism, wealthism...SERIOUSLY?

Two families have been devastated because of one kid's stupid decision.

At the end of the day, one family has been destroyed by the death of a child - a baby girl - and the major injury of multiple family members. Another family will live with the fact every day for the rest of their lives that one of them - through an incredibly stupid decision at 18 - has killed another human being and all that that means.

There is no excuse for what this young woman did, but this story - because to most of us commenting in this post it is nothing more than a story - is tragic and awful for everyone involved.

For the Santos-Sacramento family, it is wonderful that the community has come together to support them emotionally and financially as much as possible. It won't erase the pain, but it will give them some comfort.

For those on this post doing nothing more than criticizing, I hope you are proud of yourselves. You truly are no more than voyeurs...peeping toms watching and enjoying a truly tragic story.

As a parent, this is my worst nightmare - losing a child to tragedy or having a child that destroys themselves through stupid, stupid decisions.

Just a thought...

Lex....I can't be sorry for her or you as her friend....there's simply no excuse......and no defense. Know her???whats there to need to know? I hope your defending her only because you're hurt.... if not, please drop me a note when you're given the keys....

Lex why defend the indefensible ? I too was 18 once but I had better sense then to drink and drive. And you better believe it that mother would had taken me by the hair to the police station if I ever committed the stupidity and selfishness of driving intoxicated. I m 27 and I still can't drink in front of my adult relatives and I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel sorry for Carly because she has made a great mistake that
can not be undone however I feel more sorrow and pain for the real victims.

LIFE is SO precious. disagree, or agree. leave your comments at the door. a family has lost a little girl while her mother watched. being injured herself along with her other children, and you folks are bickering about what's right or wrong. where has compassion gone for you?just stop. look at what's REALLY HAPPENED here.

@ Marine Sniper,
Thanks for pointing out the obvious to the others and for your support! Semper Fi!

As a point of comparison, a Wilmette driver was cited on Friday for DUI. His name, age, and address, with charges were released within hours of the ticket being issued and reported in today's paper. See it in today's Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-wilmette-man-charged-with-dui-rear-ending-chicago-police-car-20120908,0,4543336.story

Why was the identity of Carly Rousso was not released for 2 + days? The identity was taken off the Patch initially and was treated as confidential by the city, the mayor, states attorney (maybe), and HP police. We should note that failed process as a major point of concern. That is the sign of preferential treatment or negligent reporting. That delay in reporting the initial DUI ticket was wrong and must be investigated. We should remain diligent that our leaders do not play favorites, be it from ethnic or social status. It erodes the democratic process.

The quickest way to being ignored in the future is to make every single issue about race. Just look at Rainbow/PUSH who nobody listens to anymore. Pick your battles and maybe you will have a strong voice in the community. The perpertrator to this crime was arrested and will stand trial. Stop beating a dead horse.

@chilawyer
You obviously do research very well.. You may not like my opinion but a liar I am not
here's your link
.
http://chicagolampoon.blogspot.com/2009/05/highland-park-mulls-pitbull-ban-girl.html?m=1.

No name because she was a minor

@Bill M.
Comments by @Bill M:
"Come down off the clock tower sniper!" & this directed to another poster: "Your an idiot too"

Typical Troll. Rudely inserts self into conversation. Has NOTHING constructive to contribute. Starts criticizing posters for their effort and participation, yet has not contributed an intelligent opinion. Reason? Is unable to grasp story and base an objective declaration from such. Is not able to retain what he/she/ reads, if in fact they are able to read.
Is this guy/girl for real?
---Semper Fi!

As a parent in HP, it saddens me that this incident has occurred and has divided the community I so dearly love. It has divided the community because we as adults have let it. Look at all these posts - so negative, judgmental and hate filled. How about we give it a rest and let the authorities sort this out? For those of you who have teens, this could of happened to any one of you and you know it. We as parents do not always know that our children are where they say they are and we hope for the best when children are put in a situation where they need to exercise good judgment. I know the Rousso's and they are great people and parents. They have two other children in college doing well. Not every child goes done a path full of wisdom and when they don't we hope that life's consequences plus the ones we provide as parents steer them in the right direction again. I am very sorry for the loss of a 5 year old and also very sorry for the Rousso's. Hearts are broken all around. As a community we need to provide support for both sets of parents instead of tearing them down and making assumptions.

You can already seen where is going. The first mistake was letting the Highland Park police handle it. Now you'll start seeing a cover up to protect the Rousso's

Probably the only reason the HPP took the urine samples was because they probably thought it was the mothers and they wanted to charge her with stepping in front of the car. We all know how the HPP are.

Take the high road......this would NOT have happened to my kid unless the car had steering and brake issues...I know what type of people my kids are and refuse to let these parents of this mess of an adult living at home off the hook. From her postings, drug busts and rumors alone she should never have been allowed to walk the streets without supervision let alone drive. How dare you say there are 2 families grieving....no one should give a damn about the Roussos feelings. Throw her in jail.....enough said.

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