DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries announced Monday, May 11, 2026 that the Court has denied the State’s petition to detain pre-trial an Oak Brook teen accused of causing a crash that claimed the lives of seventy-two-year-old Ried Jacobsen and his wife, sixty-seven-year-old Katherine, six weeks ago. Francesco Rendina, age 17, of the 0-99 block of Royal Vale Drive in Oak Brook, appeared in First Appearance Court Monday morning charged with two counts of Reckless Homicide (Class 3 Felony). As part of his conditions of release, Rendina is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle and shall not possess or consume alcohol or any controlled substance other than as medically prescribed.
Downers Grove police officers responded about 6:53 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, to a traffic crash involving two vehicles at the intersection of Highland Avenue and 35th Street. Following an investigation into the crash, it is alleged that Rendina was driving a 2022 BMW SUV at a high rate of speed, changing lanes in a reckless manner, southbound on Highland Avenue, when he crashed into the victims’ vehicle as Ried Jacobsen turned onto Highland Avenue off 35th Street. It is further alleged that Rendina was traveling at 104 mph approximately five seconds before the crash and at 89 mph in a 45-mph zone at impact with the victims’ vehicle. Ried Jacobsen was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Katherine Jacobsen was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries she sustained in the crash.
“Mr. Rendina’s alleged reckless driving on a busy road that resulted in a horrific crash and the loss of two lives demonstrates his complete disregard for public safety. To the family and friends of Ried and Katherine Jacobsen, I offer my sincerest condolences on their tragic loss. The sudden, heartbreaking loss of a loved one is devastating, and I wish them strength as they continue their lives with just their memories of Ried and Katherine to see them through. I commend the Downers Grove Police Department for their outstanding work on this very sad case and the DuPage MERIT Major Crash Reconstruction Team for their work as well. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Nick Catizone and Sandi Tanoue for their efforts in preparing charges against Mr. Rendina.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“This tragedy has had a profound impact on everyone involved and serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and excessive speed. Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones as they continue to cope with this tremendous loss. I also want to recognize the work of Downers Grove officers, detectives, and the DuPage MERIT Major Crash Reconstruction Team, whose professionalism and dedication helped ensure a thorough investigation on behalf of the victims and this community. I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and his office for their assistance with this case.”
— Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries
Rendina’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 15, 2026, in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A 17-year-old from Oak Brook, Illinois, has been charged in connection with a deadly crash that killed a couple from Downers Grove in late March 2026 (CBS Chicago). YouTube Tips ⓘ
THANKS FOR READING CARDINAL NEWS
Get updates from The Cardinal ALL NEWS FEEDS on Facebook. Just ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Page (become a fan of our page). The updates cover all posts and sub-category posts from The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …
Help fund The Cardinal Arlingtoncardinal.com/sponsor
