Teen Blamed For Killing 2 Cyclists Must Go Back Before Judge

JOLIET, IL — A Morris teen who prosecutors said kept quiet about killing two cyclists right before a judge gave him court supervision on another traffic case must go back to court.

Prosecutors filed a motion to vacate 16-year-old Denver Vandover III’s plea deal after they learned he not only ran down the two cyclists with an SUV and tossed away a bag of pot before the cops got there, but also got an additional speeding ticket earlier that same day.

Vandover now has to go back before the judge for a hearing on Tuesday.

Vandover got off with court supervision, a $450 fine and traffic safety school when he pleaded guilty to speeding June 28 in Will County court.

Vandover’s mother and his attorney, Ryan Wharrie, accompanied him to that court date, according to a motion filed by Will County prosecutors.

Before handing down the sentence, the judge, listed in court records as Chrystel Gavlin, asked “Anything in aggravation?” and the “only response was from the Assistant State’s Attorney who said: ‘Nothing in aggravation,’” the motion said.

When the judge “asked for mitigation, defense counsel responded: ‘We waive,’” the motion said.

By neglecting to mention the fatal June 21 accident in Grundy County and his speeding ticket on the same day in LaSalle County, Vandover “perpetrated a fraud upon the court and the People of the State of Illinois," the motion said.

The Grundy County Circuit Clerk's website shows no criminal cases on file for Vandover but they could be under seal. Grundy County State’s Attorney Jason Helland failed to return a call for comment, as did Wharrie.

Meanwhile, Vandover’s mother, Tabatha Vandover, has set up a web page to beg for money.

“I'm raising money for my family in this time of need. To help pay for bills,” Tabatha Vandover said on her Fundly page.

The page has a goal of $4,000 and has so far raised $200.

“I just want to take a minute and thank everyone who is supporting us,” an update on the page says. “Thank you to all that has donated so far. My family greatly appreciates it. it means a lot to know people care. Specially at this point in time I never thought we would be going through this. Our lives are forever changed.”

Tabatha Vandover did not respond when asked via email about her Fundly page.