Ill. teen charged with DUI in crash death

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HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., Sept. 6 (UPI) -- A suburban-Chicago teenager has been charged with driving under the influence for a car crash that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old girl, police say.

Carly A. Rousso, 18, of Highland Park was charged for the Labor Day crash that killed Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento, also of Highland Park, and injured the girl's mother and two younger brothers, the Chicago Tribune reported. The family members were walking along a sidewalk when a car police say was driven by Rousso struck them.

The charge was announced Wednesday, 2 hours after Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering released a statement saying she and the City Council were "frustrated by the delayed manner in which this case is being handled."

"Releasing the driver with no restrictions was a decision of the state's attorney. This was a mistake and we are demanding an explanation," the mayor said.

"At this time, and until toxicology results along with other evidence is evaluated, it is a Class A misdemeanor driving under the influence," Highland Park Deputy Police Chief David Schwarz said in an e-mail.

Lake County Assistant State Attorney Ken LaRue said the charge was actually filed shortly after the crash Monday and said he was unsure why it wasn't made public until after the mayor's statement was released.

The police's handling of the case has also prompted public outcry, as Rousso is the daughter of David and Gabrielle Rousso, who head The Art Center-Highland Park, and the victims are Latino.

"Are you devaluing the life of a Latino in Highland Park?" asked Margaret Carrasco, a community activist.

Community members have raised more than $43,500 for Jaclyn's family to cover medical and funeral costs.

Jaclyn's brothers, ages 2 and 4, have been released from a hospital, while their mother was hospitalized in fair condition.