The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

No trial date set for man charged in connection with student's death

SIUC student Ayesha Judkins was killed in a December car accident and the trial against the man charged in connection with her death has not yet been set.

Gustavo Garibay, Jr., who is currently out on bond, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless homicide, both Class 2 felonies, for his involvement in the Dec. 28 car accident that killed the 20 year old.

He pleaded not guilty to those charges in February.

Cook County State's Attorney's Office spokeswoman Marcy Jensen said a status hearing for Garibay has been set for Oct. 25. Jensen said Garibay's case is still in the discovery stage where evidence is being looked at.

According to Chicago Police reports, Garibay had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit when his sport utility vehicle crashed into the back of the Saturn carrying Judkins and another SIUC student.

The accident occurred when Garibay, who police said was chasing another vehicle at speeds between 65 mph and 80 mph, reached the intersection of 91st and Commercial Avenue in Chicago where the Saturn was stopped at a red light.

After hitting the back of the Saturn, Garibay's SUV hit the passenger side of the Saturn and struck Judkins, who was sitting in the front passenger side seat.

While attempting to drive away from the scene, police said Garibay's vehicle hit a nearby utility pole and flipped.

A Class 2 felony typically results in a three-to-seven year prison sentence and a maximum fine of $25,000 for each charge. However, Jerry Lawrence, former Cook County State's Attorney's Office spokesman, said Garibay could face a 12-year prison sentence in an Illinois correctional facility for each of the two charges.

However, Lawrence said it is not uncommon for such cases to take more than a year before reaching trial.

Judkins' mother, Debbie McKenzie, told the DAILY EGYPTIAN in June, she was frustrated at the long court process, but said she would continue walking through the doors of Chicago courtrooms until the end.

"I don't even think it should go this long," McKenzie said. "I just want this done and justice to be done for Ayesha, so I can finally put her to rest."

 

 

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