Introduction to the Case
A man once convicted for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot has been found guilty of reckless homicide by a downstate jury over the fatal wrong-way crash he caused in 2022 while trying to kill himself over his federal prison sentence.
Background on the Defendant
Shane Jason Woods, who was later sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison for assaulting two people during the Capitol riot, had faced the more serious charge of first-degree murder over the death of 35-year-old Lauren Wegner of Skokie. The Sangamon County jury rejected the murder charge Wednesday in favor of reckless homicide.
Charges and Verdict
The jury also found Woods guilty of aggravated driving under the influence causing Wegner’s death, for which he faces up to 14 years in prison. That’s now the most serious charge for which Woods faces sentencing Aug. 19. The jury also found him guilty of aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer.
Trial Details
The three-day trial in the courtroom of Sangamon County Judge Ryan Cadagin turned on whether Woods, who faced a first-degree murder charge, knew he “had a strong probability of causing great bodily harm or death” when he drove his GMC Sierra into oncoming traffic on Interstate 55 on Nov. 8, 2022.
Evelyn and Bill Wegner in their Skokie home holding a photo of their daughter Lauren Wegner, 35, who was killed in November 2022 when authorities say Shane Jason Woods crashed his pickup truck into her car on Interstate 55.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times file
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Defense attorney Daniel Fultz conceded during closing arguments Wednesday that Woods was guilty of aggravated driving under the influence and aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer. However, Fultz argued that prosecutors had gone overboard by charging Woods with first-degree murder. He urged the jury to find Woods guilty of reckless homicide, instead.
Woods’ Testimony
Woods took the witness stand in his own defense Wednesday and testified that he meant to drive head-on into a semi-truck. He explained to the jury that “big truck beats little truck.” “I figured I would die and he would be fine,” Woods testified.
Prosecution’s Rebuttal
Special Prosecutor Derek Dion seized on that testimony during his own closing argument. He told the jury that Woods acknowledged “he was trying to do something that was inherently deadly.” Wegner “died because of the defendant’s choices, and he should be held accountable,” Dion said. “Find him guilty,” he urged.
Conclusion
The case highlights the complexities of determining intent and culpability in fatal accidents, especially when the defendant’s actions are influenced by personal circumstances and mental health. The verdict of reckless homicide instead of first-degree murder reflects the jury’s consideration of these factors.
FAQs
- Q: What was Shane Jason Woods initially charged with?
A: First-degree murder over the death of 35-year-old Lauren Wegner. - Q: What was Woods found guilty of?
A: Reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence causing death, and aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer. - Q: What is the maximum prison sentence Woods faces for the most serious charge?
A: Up to 14 years in prison for aggravated driving under the influence causing death. - Q: Why did Woods attempt to drive into oncoming traffic?
A: Woods testified that he was trying to kill himself due to his situation, including his upcoming prison sentence for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.
