Inset: Latasha Hope (Illinois State Police). Background: Illinois' I-57 expressway(Google Maps).
An Illinois woman faces serious charges after police said she drove drunk with several young children in her SUV and one baby ended up dead.
Latasha Hope, 33, was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI involving death, and child endangerment causing death in connection with a car crash that took place on Sunday. According to the Illinois State Police, troopers responded to a crash on Illinois' I-57 expressway, also known as the Dan Ryan Expressway, near 147th Street in Harvey, Illinois. Troopers found a red Ford SUV crashed into a light pole, with Hope behind the wheel, another female adult, four toddlers, and an infant inside.
Hope and her passengers were all taken to the hospital for injuries, and the baby later died.
Chicago, Illinois-based ABC affiliate WLS reported that the Cook County Medical Examiner identified the baby as 6-month-old Dakari Lomax. Authorities did not release information about the children's relationship with Hope.
Hope was treated at the hospital for injuries she sustained during the crash and was arrested on Tuesday after she was released.
According to a press release from the Illinois State Police, Hope was intoxicated when she drove her SUV off the expressway and into a light pole. Police said none of the five children in the SUV was properly restrained in a car seat or with a seat belt.
Hope remains in custody ahead of her first court appearance.