By T. C. Mayfield, The Chicago Times
June 2, 2022
LOMBARD, IL – An Elgin man has been charged in the fatal DUI crash that killed teen passenger.
Raymond Griffin, 24, has been charged with two counts of Aggravated DUI Causing Death and one count of Misdemeanor Speeding 35 mph over the speed limit. Griffin’s actions allegedly caused the death of his passenger Byron Montgomery, 17.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney, on August 15, 2021, around 12:20 am Lombard police were dispatched to the Sonesta ES Suites located at 2001 S. Highland Avenue in response to a party that was broken up by security at the hotel. When officers reached the hotel, they observed a red BMW fleeing the area northbound on Highland Avenue at a speed in excess of 73 mph in a 35 mph zone. As police gave chase, the red BMW continued at high speed until the driver lost control at the T-intersection of Highland Avenue and Roosevelt Road where the BMW rolled over and burst into flames.
Police found both Griffin and Montgomery near the burning wreck and were transported to an area hospital where Montgomery was declared dead upon arrival. Police said Griffin’s blood alcohol content was well above .08 at the time of the crash.
A bond of $750,000 has been set for Griffin. Griffin’s next court appearance is set for June 9, 2022.
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