Man Charged in April Fatal Crash Northwest of Effingham

One of the drivers in the April 24th crash at Moccasin Road and Lake Sara Road northwest of Effingham has been criminally charged.

41-year-old Joshua L. Wendt of Mason faces a Class 2 Felony count of Aggravated DUI Drugs Causing Death. The count could result in a sentence of from three to 14 years in prison.

The crash resulted in the death of seven-month-old James Austin Warren of Beecher City. Authorities said at the time that the infant was properly buckled into the vehicle.

State Police reported that Wendt's vehicle struck a car driven by 28-year-old Jordan Warren of Beecher City, and the car then struck the rear of a stopped truck driven by 77-year-old William Fruth of Effingham. Jordan Warren was taken for treatment of severe injuries, and a passenger in the Fruth truck was treated locally for minor injuries.

In court this week, Wendt asked for time to find an attorney. He is due back in court on October 2.