Madison County man was drinking before crash that killed 3 family members, cops say
A Worden man has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless homicide stemming from a triple fatality accident Aug. 13 that resulted in the death of a Bethalto family.
The Madison County State’s Attorneys office has charged Blake A. Jones, 18, with three counts of aggravated driving with a blood alcohol level of the legal limit, resulting in death; three counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death; and three counts of reckless homicide.
Judge Ron Slemer set Jones’ bond at $1 million. Jones turned himself into authorities Thursday, according to a press release from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
At 7:43 p.m. on Aug. 13, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a serious two-car vehicle accident at the intersection of Bethalto Road and McCoy Road outside the city limits of Bethalto, near the Fosterburg area. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded along with ambulance and a rescue team.
Three people in one of the vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. They included John A. Cafazza, 55; Melissa R. Cafazza, 52; and Dominic J. Cafazza, 12, all of Bethalto.
Jones was taken to a St. Louis area hospital and was treated for non-life threatening injuries and later released.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office worked with the accident reconstruction team, the Madison County Coroner’s office, and the Illinois State Police crime lab during the investigation.
“The loss of John, Melissa, and Dominic has been a terrible tragedy for the entire community,” Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine said. “Our office will work to ensure justice is served for the Cafazza family.”
Anyone with additional information should contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigative division at 618-692-0871 or the anonymous tip line at 618-296-3000.
This story was originally published October 7, 2021 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Madison County man was drinking before crash that killed 3 family members, cops say."