Warrenville man charged in 135 mph fatal Wheaton crash out on bail
A Warrenville man accused of causing a fiery fatal crash in Wheaton is free on home confinement after posting 10 percent of his $150,000 bail.
A DuPage County judge on Wednesday granted Brian Thunderkick permission to leave his home only for medical and psychological appointments at Central DuPage Hospital, meetings with his attorney and future court dates
Thunderkick, 62, of the 2S000 block of Pierre Curie Lane, was released from DuPage County jail Saturday, two weeks after he was accused of causing a deadly crash while traveling 135 mph along Butterfield Road in Wheaton. A 22-year-old Elgin woman, Erika Villagomez, was killed when Thunderkick's Chevy Camaro crashed into the rear of her Honda Accord, causing it to burst into flames and trapping her inside.
In addition to wearing a GPS device that alerts authorities if he leaves his home, Thunderkick also is prohibited from drinking alcohol, taking any unprescribed drugs and driving while he is out on bail.
Prosecutors, however, are hoping to get Thunderkick back behind bars as soon as his Oct. 30 arraignment. He is charged with reckless homicide.
Assistant State's Attorney Kristin Johnston last week asked Judge George Bakalis to raise Thunderkick's bail to $2 million. At that time, she said prosecutors are prepared to file aggravated battery and attempted leaving the scene of a deadly accident charges, but the investigation continues into whether they will charge him with aggravated driving under the influence of drugs.
Johnston also played a dashboard video camera recording, captured by an off-duty River Grove police officer, that shows Thunderkick's Camaro racing past his car and eventually crashing into the car driven by Villagomez.
The crash occurred about 11 a.m. Sept. 30 on Butterfield Road just east of Naperville Road.
Authorities said Villagomez was screaming for help as officers and civilians tried to rescue her. She died before she could be pulled from the burning wreckage.
Johnston said the DUI kit performed on Thunderkick is "being rushed" but is not complete. A test of Thunderkick's urine, however, came back positive for barbiturates.