PTO co-presidents Jessica Millen and Sara Gordon set up a memorial fund Tuesday to raise money for the family of Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento, who
In only a few hours, the memorial fund raised $3,550. About 260 people had donated as of midnight on Tuesday, with some donating as much as $500. The total amount raised as of Tuesday night was $14,580.
Click here to donate to the memorial fund.
"I'm not surprised by the Highland Park community in the least," Millen said. "I'm really honored to be a part of a community that really steps up."
Sacramento was with her 25-year-old mother and her 4-year-old and 2-year-old brothers when a car jumped the curb on the north side of the 700 block of Central Avenue and plowed into them, according to a news release issued by the . Sacramento was taken to Evanston Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. Her mother remains in "fair but stable condition" at . Her brothers are expected to be treated and released, according to The Highland Park News.
Millen and Gordon decided to start the memorial fund after hearing the tragic news on Monday night.
"We decided this would be a great way for our community to support the family during this horrible time," Millen said.
The driver of the vehicle was an 18-year-old Highland Park resident who's name has not yet been released. She was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was transported to Highland Park Hospital, where she was treated and released, according to the Highland Park Police Department. Preliminary investigation indicates that the car, a Lexus coupe, was heading eastbound on Central when it crossed the westbound lanes, left the roadway and struck the four pedestrians as they walked westbound on the sidewalk.
"Investigating officials are continuing to process the vehicle for evidence and determine if impairment of the driver was a factor in the crash," reports the release issued by the police department.
No charges have been filed.
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http://www.cityhpil.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=123
http://www.cityhpil.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=123
I would also be extremely surprised to learn that the car was "a birthday present to the daughter/driver" as another anonymous Patch commenter has written. The father has had that car for many years and I don't know him to have a new one. This rumor in particular sounds like it was born of ugly stereotypes.
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) — Police have cited an 18-year-old woman with the offense of driving while intoxicated in connection with a Labor Day accident in Highland Park that killed a 5-year-old girl, but the mayor suggests the driver has been treated too leniently. Carly A. Rousso of Highland Park is expected to appear in court Sept. 21 at the Lake County Courthouse, the city said in a news release issued Wednesday. Rousso allegedly was operating a Lexus that struck Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento at 2:30 p.m. Monday as the girl was walking with her mother and two younger brothers on Central Avenue near Green Bay Road.
I am disappointed to hear that this is only a misdemeanor. That is sickening. We must ask for more from our city and the HPPD. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-highland-park-teen-charged-in-traffic-death-of-5yearold-20120905,0,582795.story
Of course a misdemeanor is not enough. She killed a person she obviously is going to be charged for the crime.
Here are the penalties for vehicular homicide in Illinois: 1 to 28 years Aggravated DUI resulting in death: Class 2 felony, Not less than 3 years or more than 14 years (for death of 1 person) or not less than 6 years or more than 28 years (for death of 2 or more persons) and not more than $25,000. The offender is required to serve 85% of any term of imprisonment. The court may not sentence the offender to probation unless the court finds that “extraordinary circumstances” exist requiring probation. See 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(1)(F). 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(2)(G); 730 ILCS 5/5-9-1.
Terribly screwed up! Wow. ..... HP Police Department will have much to explain of their "handling" of this horrific "accident." I truly hope if legalities were bypassed as a result of patronizes being exploited, those responsible will be harshly delt with. And by that I would believe it be appropriate they are publically denounced and forfeit their position and any monies from a pension be negated. The blood and urine samples that were obtained from Miss Rousso, at the hospital, could have been released within the hour as to the results being positive or negative. Tests are taken, results given, and appropiate actions are taken by the investigating officers on the spot in hundreds of similar cases. Why were things handled differently here? What happened here that she was released without any liability or responsibility for her actions?
This was a statement posted earlier: "The mother and father both have donated a lot of their time to save the art center from serious financial problems." If there is any truth to this then there has to be a question of any improprieties that may have taken place in Miss Rousso not being charged at the hospital, her not having to post a bond, or her name being "withheld" from the public eye. I now believe the city of HP and it's "police department" will be on public diplay from here on in. The will be continually scrutinized from here on in, and rightly so. The mayor has already chosen sides when she was quoted as saying, "“The decision to file charges is made by the Lake County State’s Attorney,” Rotering wrote. “Releasing the driver with no restrictions was a decision of the State’s Attorney. This was a mistake and we are demanding an explanation.” The public outcry will change the charges brought against Miss Rousso. Further "donations", by her parents, to the art center will be of no consequence. ---Semper Fi!
http://highlandpark.patch.com/articles/rousso-cited-with-dui-days-before-her-name-was-released
Your right, "Its me". I have also noticed this. It is now evident either the comment moderator or a directive from his/her supervisor have negated these post we speak of. Now you must question if Patch is "entwined" in this questionable handling of this "accident". ---Semper Fi!
I've read just about every comment on the four or more Patch articles regarding this horrendous tragedy and I'm pretty sure not one of them has been negative towards Latinos. Frankly, it seems most of the "anti" comments have been anti-white and disparaging towards those with certain degrees of wealth. Not sure which comments you've been reading, but if I'm wrong please let me know. Until then, I'll just sit here completely offended by your remarks.
Kristy 1:21 pm on Friday, September 7, 2012 Oh gosh, I sure do love seeing white privilege play out. *SARCASM* If the driver were a minority teenager who hit a little white girl in Highland Park, I think the reaction and punishment would be much more swift and severe. He is a CEO of some data biz, mom is involved in the North Shore Jewish community.
I know I'm off topic, but would like to know.