Judge Considers Lighter Sentence for DUI Driver at Request of Deceased's Wife

A DuPage County judge has delayed sentencing for William J. Decero of Downers Grove, who pleaded guilty to aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, while he reads a collection of letters expressing support for Decero.

One of Decero’s supporters is the wife of Thomas Fitzsimons, the Hinsdale man killed in the 2013 crash in Oak Brook that led to Decero’s arrest and DUI charge, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Decero, 51, was driving Fitzsimons’ car Sept. 22, 2013, when he and Fitzsimons, 48, crashed at Spring Road and Salt Creek Circle in Oak Brook.

They were both wearing seat belts when Decero swerved off the road after midnight and crashed into a wooded area, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Fitzsimons was pronounced dead at the scene, and Decero was taken to the hospital.

Maureen Fitzsimons asked the judge Thursday to hand down a lenient sentence of probation and no jail time, the Tribune reports, but prosecutors are aiming to put Decero behind bars for six years.

Decero’s sentencing is set for Feb. 19.