Man was reportedly texting before fatal crash

CHARLESTON -- Coles County authorities say a man accused of killing his 5-year-old daughter in an accident on Aug. 19 was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs and was texting on his cell phone at the time.

Prosecutors released the new allegations against 34-year-old William B. Shackles of Loxa at his first court appearance Monday on charges alleging he caused the death of his daughter, Elsa. The girl was a passenger when Shackles reportedly drove his vehicle through a fence at Coles County Memorial Airport.

At his court appearance, Shackles asked for time to hire an attorney and another hearing was scheduled for Sept. 8.