Woman Accused of Leaving Scene of Fatal Accident

 Posted on March 15, 2013 in DUI/DWI

A 44 year-old Chicago woman is being held on $2 million bail for a January crash that killed two women. Lisa Elner has been charged with failure to report an accident involving death, aggravated driving under the influence involving death, possession of cocaine and other traffic charges.

According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, on Jan. 26, around 7 a.m., police found Elner wandering around near the entrance ramp to southbound Interstate 55 at Harlem Avenue. She was freezing and according to police, intoxicated. She also was seriously injured and police took her to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn. Elner told police she was walking home from a barroom, but never said anything to them about a car accident.

Five hours later, a trucker found an overturned SUV, along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Police later discovered the bodies of two women, Michelle Miranda, 37, of Berwyn, and Sandra Frankum, 36, of Bolingbrook. An investigation revealed that that the SUV was headed south on Harlem approaching the I-55 ramp about 3 a.m. when the driver lost control and the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed through a barrier before plunging at least 50 feet onto the road below.

Given the condition police found Elsner, and the proximity to the accident location, they concluded that she must have been involved in the accident. She surrendered to police.

The defendant in this case is facing very serious charges and if found guilty, is also facing prison. If you are accused of a serious crime, contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney to make sure your rights are protected.