DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Police Chief Joe Grage have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for Dwayne Rushing, a 48-year-old South Elgin man accused of causing a deadly intoxicated driving crash that claimed the life of Laura O’Keefe and seriously injured another passenger.
Rushing appeared in First Appearance Court facing one count of Aggravated DUI Causing Death (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Aggravated DUI Great Bodily Harm (Class 4 Felony). Officials confirmed he will remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
According to investigators from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Lombard Police Department, the fatal crash occurred on May 10 at approximately 5:24 p.m. near 2780 S. Highland Avenue in Lombard. Officers responding to the scene discovered a multi-vehicle collision involving a gray Volvo and a Subaru Outback, both of which sustained severe damage.
Authorities allege that Rushing was driving southbound when he first struck another vehicle before continuing off the roadway, crossing a grassy median, and colliding with O’Keefe’s Subaru as it was stopped at an exit from a shopping plaza. Emergency responders transported all involved to a local hospital, where O’Keefe later succumbed to traumatic brain injuries after being placed on life support. Her passenger remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Investigators further allege that officers detected signs of intoxication at the scene, including a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and instability. A reported blood alcohol concentration of 0.116 was recorded, and an open alcoholic beverage was allegedly recovered from the vehicle.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the incident, calling it “100% avoidable,” and extended condolences to the victim’s family while emphasizing the importance of responsible driving. He also thanked law enforcement agencies and crash reconstruction teams for their thorough investigation.
Police Chief Joe Grage echoed these sentiments, stating that impaired driving crashes are preventable tragedies that continue to devastate families and communities. He praised officers and investigators for their work in bringing the case forward.
Rushing’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 8, 2026, before Judge Mia McPherson. Authorities remind the public that all charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.