News

Estate of Skokie woman files wrongful death lawsuit against Divernon PD and Sang. Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

Estate of Skokie woman files wrongful death lawsuit against Divernon PD and Sang. Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

Photo: Saga Communications


The estate of Lauren Wegner has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Divernon Police and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office stemming from a deadly crash last November that left the 35-year-old Skokie woman dead.

The lawsuit alleges the Divernon officer pulled Shane Woods over for speeding and the officer smelled alcohol. Reports indicate Woods spoke of his pending charges for tax evasion and prison time for his role in the January 6th Capitol Riots. Woods then reportedly told the officer he was going to harm himself.

The suit seeks $50,000 and the costs of the lawsuit because it says the Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy who arrived on the scene to assist did not park in front of Wood’s vehicle to block him.

Woods drove off and entered I-55 going the wrong way before crashing into Wegner’s vehicle. WAND TV reports that Wood’s blood alcohol level was later determined to be 0.14. Woods was indicted on a murder charge and five other counts in the case.

Recent Headlines

40 minutes ago in Entertainment, Music

The 2027 Grammy Awards announce key dates: What to know

Fresh

Who is ready for the 2027 Grammy Awards? You'll have to wait until Feb. 7, 2027, when the 69th annual ceremony once again airs live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, it was announced Tuesday during the Disney Upfront presentation in New York.

41 minutes ago in Entertainment

Conan O’Brien to return as Oscars host in 2027

Fresh

Conan O'Brien's era as Oscars host is becoming a trilogy. The Emmy-winner and comedian will be back to host the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, film academy leaders said Tuesday.

43 minutes ago in Entertainment

Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani and Bowen Yang are in a HBO doc on being Asian American, Pacific Islander

Fresh

Timed for release during AAPI Heritage Month, "The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas" drops Wednesday on HBO Max. It's the latest in "The List Series" created by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. The franchise has previously produced documentaries on prominent Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ Americans.

1 hour ago in Entertainment

Corleone crime family returns in a new ‘Godfather’ novel for 2027 release by Random House

Fresh

Decades after the last "Godfather" movie and more than 10 years since the last "Godfather" novel, the story of the Corleone crime family has a new chapter, presented for the first time from a woman's point of view.

18 hours ago in Entertainment

Man pleads guilty to Atlanta auto break-in that led to theft of unreleased music by Beyoncé

Kelvin Evans, 41, entered guilty pleas in Fulton County Superior Court to entering an automobile and criminal trespass. He was sentenced to two years in prison, according to news outlets. He was scheduled to go on trial this week.