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Trial delayed for man charged in crash that killed Round Lake Beach woman

The trial of a Mundelein man charged with murder after authorities said he killed a woman when he intentionally drove into oncoming traffic has been delayed while he undergoes a psychological interview.

Mark Oelerich, 22, was scheduled to go to trial Nov. 1, but Lake County Judge James K. Booras approved a delay until Jan. 10, to let a court-appointed doctor speak with Oelerich at the Lake County jail.

Defense attorney Elliot Pinsel said Oelerich will be interviewed to determine whether he was of sound mind when he waived his Miranda rights during police questioning following the Nov. 24, 2012, crash that killed Araceli Villasenor, 25, of Round Lake Beach.

Oelerich faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated driving under the influence after he intentionally swerved a family member’s Cadillac SUV across the northbound centerline on Cedar Lake Road near Route 120 in Round Lake and struck Villasenor’s southbound vehicle head-on, authorities said.

Villasenor and her three children were injured in the crash and taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Villasenor was pronounced dead a short time later, while her children were treated and released.

Following the crash, Oelerich told investigators during questioning that he had been receiving signs from God that made him believe he was invincible, and that he intentionally caused the accident to test that belief, authorities said.

Oelerich also faces 10 counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer and three counts of resisting arrest for fighting with jail guards the night of his arrest, authorities said.

If found guilty of the most serious murder charge, Oelerich could be sentenced up to 60 years in prison. He is being held in Lake County jail in lieu of $1 million bail.

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