Crime & Safety
Pike County, IL: Woman Arrested for Murder After US 54 Crash
Pittsfield, IL – A Pike County woman was arrested Tuesday, October 20, on murder charges after investigators alleged she intentionally drove her vehicle into an oncoming semi truck during a July crash
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-21T02:53:52.442Z
Pittsfield, IL – A Pike County woman was arrested Tuesday, October 20, on murder charges after investigators alleged she intentionally drove her vehicle into an oncoming semi truck during a July crash on U.S. Route 54, resulting in the death of a 73 year old passenger.
According to the Pike County Sheriff 's Department, the investigation stems from a head on collision that occurred July 24, 2026, near the top of Atlas Hill along U.S. 54 in western Illinois.
Deputies responded to the crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi tractor pulling a trailer. All occupants of the passenger vehicle suffered injuries and were transported to separate medical facilities.
Authorities identified one of the passengers as 73 year old Cherie K. Wells of Pittsfield, Illinois, who later died from injuries sustained in the collision while in St. Louis County, Missouri.
During the investigation, authorities determined that the driver, identified as Jaime L. Rhode of Griggsville, allegedly steered her vehicle directly into the path of the approaching semi truck.
Investigators allege Rhode intended to kill everyone inside her vehicle.
Following the investigation, a report was submitted to the Pike County State's Attorney's Office for review.
On Friday, October 16, Judge J. Frank McCartney signed an arrest warrant charging Rhode with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder .
Rhode was arrested Tuesday, October 20, and was being processed into the Pike County Jail, according to Sheriff David Greenwood.
The department's announcement did not explain why two murder counts were filed or provide additional details about the surviving occupants.
The case marks a significant development nearly three months after the original highway collision.
Authorities have not provided a court appearance date or additional information about the evidence supporting the charges.
Rhode is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.