Suburban Chicago Man Charged in Fatal High-Speed Crash

Prosecutors say 20-year-old was driving stolen BMW at 119 mph when he struck and killed an elderly couple.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a twisted, charred car part from the crash site, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the incident through dramatic lighting and stark composition.The aftermath of a high-speed crash that claimed the lives of an elderly married couple exposes the human toll of reckless driving.Chicago Today

A 20-year-old St. Charles man has been charged with reckless homicide and other felonies after prosecutors say he was speeding in a stolen BMW, reaching 119 mph, when he crashed into another vehicle, killing an elderly married couple from Geneva, Illinois.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the need for stricter enforcement and penalties for those who endanger public safety through excessive speeding and vehicle theft.

The details

According to prosecutors, on September 5, 2025, Charles T. Rodgers was driving a black BMW X3 that he had taken from the St. Charles Chrysler Dodge dealership where he worked. Rodgers, who had three passengers in the vehicle, allegedly accelerated rapidly on Bricher Road, reaching a top speed of 119 mph in a 45 mph zone. He then failed to brake and tried to steer around a 2005 Toyota Corolla driven by 85-year-old Dennis White, striking the vehicle head-on. The impact sent the BMW into a wooded area, where it caught fire. Dennis White and his 88-year-old wife, Ritsuko, were killed in the crash.

  • The crash occurred around 1:40 p.m. on September 5, 2025.
  • Rodgers appeared in court on Friday, where a judge ordered his release on electronic home monitoring.

The players

Charles T. Rodgers

A 20-year-old man from St. Charles, Illinois, who has been charged with reckless homicide, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated reckless driving, and misdemeanor speeding in relation to the fatal crash.

Dennis White

An 85-year-old man from Geneva, Illinois, who was driving a 2005 Toyota Corolla and was killed in the crash.

Ritsuko White

An 88-year-old woman from Geneva, Illinois, who was the passenger in the Toyota Corolla and was also killed in the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Rodgers is due back in court on May 20, where a judge will determine the conditions of his release on electronic home monitoring.

The takeaway

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from irresponsible and dangerous driving behavior, and underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions in order to protect the safety of all road users.