Haine Announces Charges Stemming from Automobile Accident that Killed Child

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine today announced Laura Schmittling, 27, of Collinsville, was charged with three counts of aggravated DUI causing death, three counts of aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm, and one count of reckless homicide stemming from a traffic accident in November of 2020.

On November 10, 2020, Illinois State Police responded to a four-vehicle automobile accident on I-55 South near the Livingston exit. Eight-year-old Kimberly Tillman was killed in the accident, and two-year old Serenity Tauchert suffered severe facial fractures. Toxicology reports showed that Schmittling, the driver and mother of the children, allegedly had methamphetamines, amphetamines, and THC in her system at the time of the crash.

“The death of a child is always a tragedy,” Haine said, “but the circumstances in this case are especially heartbreaking. Driving while intoxicated is unacceptable and can have deadly consequences.”

Under Illinois law, the penalty for an aggravated DUI causing death charge is 3-14 years in prison. The penalty for aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm charge ranges from probation to 12 years in prison, and the reckless homicide charge is punishable from probation to five years in jail. Schmittling’s bond was set at $250,000 by Madison County Associate Circuit Judge Janet Heflin.

Haine also thanked the Illinois State Police and Assistant State’s Attorney Katie Wykoff for their excellent work in this case.

This charge, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.