Two local youths
killed in tragedy
(TAYLORVILLE) — Robert M. Hodson, 48, of Taylorville, pled guilty in a negotiated settlement of a case stemming from an auto accident in which two young Taylorville residents were killed. The plea came during court proceedings before Christian County Resident Judge Brad Paisley on Thursday afternoon, May 25, 2023.
The defendant entered an open plea of guilty of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. All parties agreed to be bound by a cap of 20 years imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Sentencing is set for 1:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.
The accident happened on Apr. 8, 2021, at approximately 11:04 p.m. on Illinois Route 48 near 1550N Road. According to the report, the Hodson vehicle was headed northbound on Rt. 48 and crossed the center line, running head-on into a vehicle driven by Haley Anne Shoot, 19, of Taylorville. Shoot, and a passenger in the vehicle, 20-year-old Zaydin Jon Dudra, Taylorville, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Hudson suffered non-life threatening injuries and taken to the hospital. He was later arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no valid driver’s license/expired.
He posted $200,000 (10% applies) bond following his arrest.
