Westfield, IL – Two people from Charleston were killed and two others critically injured in a head-on crash Friday evening in Westfield, Illinois. According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), 34-year-old Edwin O. Pacheco-Meza of Indianapolis was arrested and now faces charges of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence and Reckless Homicide.
Around 7 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, troopers responded to a crash on West Lincoln Street near South Division Street in Westfield. Preliminary findings show Pacheco-Meza was driving a Chevrolet Express van eastbound when it crossed the center line and struck a westbound Ford F150 head-on.
ISP reported that 71-year-old Michael Clayton and 66-year-old Gail Clayton, both of Charleston, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers from Charleston — a 72-year-old man and 66-year-old woman — were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Pacheco-Meza was treated for minor injuries and later booked into the Clark County Jail. The Clark County State’s Attorney’s Office has since filed formal charges, and the suspect remains in custody pending a court appearance.
Authorities say the investigation remains active, and no further details have been released.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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