Crest Hill Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Crash

JOLIET - A Crest Hill man pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence in a 2014 crash that killed a Romeoville man.

William Hayes, 35, was sentenced to eight years in prison for the May, 19, 2014 crash that killed Don Trasmonte, 41.

William Hayes faced up to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated DUI involving a death. Due to truth in sentencing laws and time already served in the Will County jail, Hayes likely will be out of prison in 4 1/2 years.

Prosecutors said Hayes tested positive for Ecstasy at the time of the crash. He was driving on Weber Road shortly after 5 a.m. in Romeoville when he struck the car of Don Trasmonte, who was killed in the crash and his wife was seriously injured, prosecutors said. A man who was a passenger in the Dodge was treated for minor injuries.

A Romeoville police officer also testified at a hearing last year Hayes had alcohol on his breath, but was able to pass field sobriety tests.

"Mr. Hayes has always expressed remorse (about the crash)," attorney Jeff Tomczak said Wednesday.

"Trasmonte's wife was in the car at the time of the crash. The couple has two boys, ages 18 and 9.

"It's not going to bring my husband back," said Cristy Trasmonte, who added that the sentence allows her to take a "few steps forward."

She added that she has forgiven Hayes.

"I know he didn't wake up that day wanting to kill someone," she said.

more via The Herald News