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Trial delayed for Mundelein man in fatal crash

The trial for a Mundelein man charged with killing a Round Lake Beach mother during a traffic crash last Thanksgiving has been delayed again.

Mark Oelerich, 22, was scheduled to go to trial Jan. 10, but the trial was pushed back to March 14 after defense attorney Elliot Pinsel requested more time for a court-appointed psychiatrist to interview Oelerich.

Pinsel said experts are trying to determine whether Oelerich 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.

This is the second time a psychological exam has delayed the trial. The case was originally due to go to trial earlier this month.

Pinsel did not comment following a hearing early Monday. In court, Pinsel said the psychiatrist is expected to conduct the interview in December.

Oelerich faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated driving under the influence after he intentionally crossed the centerline and slammed a family member’s Cadillac SUV into a vehicle driven by Villasenor on Cedar Lake Road near Route 120 in Round Lake, authorities said.

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

Oelerich told investigators he intentionally caused the crash, authorities said, because he had been receiving signs from God that made him believe he was invincible.

Oelerich was also charged earlier this year with 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 murder, Oelerich could be sentenced up to 60 years in prison.

He remains held in Lake County jail in lieu of $1 million bail, and is due back in court Feb. 3 for a status update.

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