DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Bensenville man accused of crashing his car head-on into another vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, killing a male victim, in the early morning hours of Friday, April 17.
Zion Turrubiates-Andrade, 22, appeared in court on April 20, and was charged with one count of aggravated DUI–causing death (Class 2 felony) and two counts of aggravated DUI–great bodily harm (Class 4 felony).
At approximately 5:04 a.m. on April 17, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a head-on collision on Route 83 between Frontage Road and I-290 in unincorporated Bensenville. Following an investigation, it is alleged that Turrubiates-Andrade was driving a 2002 Buick LeSabre northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 83 when he crashed head-on into another vehicle with two occupants. Both occupants of the vehicle were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention. On Sunday, April 19, one of the occupants, Michele (pronounced MY-kuhl) Lavorata, passed away from injuries he sustained in the crash.
Turrubiates-Andrade was also transported to a local hospital for medical attention and was subsequently released to the custody of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.
Following a blood draw at the hospital, it is alleged Turrubiates-Andrade’s blood alcohol content was .253, more than three times the legal limit of .08.
“With the convenience of ride sharing services available with just a few taps on his phone, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever Mr. Turrubiates-Andrade should have gotten behind the wheel of a car after he had allegedly been drinking,” Berlin said.
“Drunk driving crashes, particularly those involving a fatality, are particularly egregious as they are 100 percent avoidable. This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences that can result from drinking and driving. It is very simple, if you have been drinking, do not drive. I offer my sincerest condolences to Michele’s surviving family and friends as they grieve their tragic loss and wish them strength as they transition to a life with just the memory of Michele to see them through. I commend the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in this very sad case as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Rob Willis and Matthew Dambach for their work in securing charges against Mr. Turrubiates-Andrade.”
“DuPage County has zero tolerance for drinking and driving,” Mendrick said. “This tragic incident is a stark reminder that impaired driving has devastating and irreversible consequences. In today’s world, there are safe alternatives, whether it’s using an Uber service, calling a friend, or planning ahead. There is simply no excuse to get behind the wheel while impaired. Our office remains fully committed to holding offenders accountable and to doing everything possible to protect the safety of our community and I thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their tough stance on DUI cases.”
Turrubiates-Andrade’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 18, in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.
