16-Year-Old Charged With Reckless Homicide After Fatal Crash on Chicago's Southwest Side

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with reckless homicide after a fatal car crash that left a 15-year-old passenger dead and two other teenagers injured on Chicago’s Southwest Side last month, authorities confirmed.

According to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office, officers observed the teenager driving a stolen Toyota Corolla at a high speed without headlights on March 9. The vehicle then crashed into a tree in the 6800 block of South California Avenue after the driver lost control.

The crash resulted in the death of Dreanna Jackson, 15, who was a passenger in the car. She was transported to Holy Cross Hospital and pronounced dead at 4:32 a.m., as stated by the medical examiner’s office. An autopsy determined her death was caused by multiple injuries sustained in the collision.

Two other female passengers, a 15-year-old who suffered a broken arm and a 16-year-old who sustained a head injury, were also in the car. Both were taken to Comer Children's Hospital, with the older girl listed in serious condition, police said.

The Toyota involved in the crash had previously been reported stolen, according to police. The teenage driver, whose name is being withheld due to his age, was arrested on Thursday and faces a charge of reckless homicide involving a motor vehicle, officials said.

Authorities have not disclosed additional details on the ongoing investigation into the incident.