Crime & Safety
Illinois Man Charged With DUI, Homicide After Crash Kills 2
Hamel, IL – A 30 year old Highland man is facing four felony charges following a deadly head on collision in Madison County that claimed the lives of two Bethalto residents Sunday evening, Illinois St
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-28T19:43:20.277Z
Hamel, IL – A 30 year old Highland man is facing four felony charges following a deadly head on collision in Madison County that claimed the lives of two Bethalto residents Sunday evening, Illinois State Police announced.
According to Illinois State Police, Garrett C. Miller, 30, of Highland, was arrested following an investigation into the Oct. 25 crash along Illinois Route 140, west of Hoxey Road in Hamel.
Troopers responded to the collision at approximately 5:43 p.m. Sunday.
Investigators said Miller was driving a GMC truck eastbound on IL 140 when, for reasons not yet determined, the vehicle allegedly crossed the center lane markings and entered westbound traffic.
The truck struck an oncoming Dodge sedan head on.
Two Bethalto Residents Killed
The sedan's driver, 65 year old Justina L. Tennikat of Bethalto, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her passenger, 84 year old Sharon C. Powell, also of Bethalto, was transported to a regional hospital with injuries and later pronounced dead.
Miller was also transported to a hospital for treatment following the collision.
Four Felony Charges Approved
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Illinois State Police presented the investigation to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office.
Prosecutors approved four felony charges against Miller:
Two counts of aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death, Class 2 felonies. Two counts of reckless homicide, Class 3 felonies. Miller remained in custody at the Madison County Jail pending his first court appearance, according to state police.
The investigation was handled by special agents assigned to Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6.
Authorities have not publicly explained what caused Miller's truck to cross into oncoming traffic.
The crash occurred along IL 140 in Madison County, part of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Illinois State Police emphasized that criminal charges are allegations, not evidence of guilt. Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.