Red Bud woman facing reckless homicide charge caught driving on suspended license

Six months and two days after a crash that killed two Randolph County women, police said they caught Crystal Steinheimer, who is facing reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges in connection with the crash, driving on a suspended license.

Update: Prosecutor seeks higher bond

Steinheimer, 20, of Red Bud, was pulled over at 12:17 a.m. Sunday, said Red Bud Police Chief John Brittingham, pulling into the Pizza Hut parking lot at 1519 S. Main St. in Red Bud.

“There was no indication that she had been drinking,” Brittingham said Monday morning. “The officer checked.”

Steinheimer was charged with driving on a suspended license, according to Randolph County State’s Attorney Jeremy Walker. She posted $150 bond and was released early Sunday.

Walker and Brittingham confirmed they discussed the new charge with Monroe County State’s Attorney Kris Reitz, who charged Steinheimer in May in connection with a Jan. 10 crash that caused the death of Abigail Liefer, 19, of Ruma, and Hannah Marie Porter, 20, of Red Bud.

Steinheimer posted bond after she was charged with the Monroe County felonies and was released. Reitz could make a motion to revoke Steinheimer’s bond, citing the new Randolph County charges.

“There has been communication with the authorities there,” Walker said.

No motion had been made as of Monday, but Brittingham said he had a conversation with Reitz. Reitz is on vacation and could not be reached for comment.

Neither Steinheimer nor her attorney Arlie Traughber could be reached for comment.

Steinheimer’s license was suspended on Jan. 18, according to Illinois Secretary of State records, a week after the Jan. 10 Monroe County crash. Steinheimer was northbound on Illinois 159 near Sunset Lane when she lost control of a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo and crossed the center line, smashing head-on with a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Liefer. Liefer and Porter died as a result of the collision. Steinheimer and another passenger in Liefer’s car, Grace E. Richards, 21, of Red Bed, were injured in the crash. Steinheimer’s blood alcohol level was 0.179 — twice the legal limit. Steinheimer was 20 at the time of the crash. The legal drinking age in Illinois is 21.

Last year, Steinheimer pleaded guilty in Randolph County to unlawful consumption of alcohol and was ordered to pay a fine. An accompanying charge of unlawful possession of alcohol was dismissed as part of the plea negotiations.

“We are eternally grateful for the support of the community during this time but the families do not wish to comment on the ongoing trial nor any current charges,” said Brandy Muertz, a spokesman for the Liefer and Porter families.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Red Bud woman facing reckless homicide charge caught driving on suspended license."