Update: Other Driver in Wreck That Killed Murder Case Witness Was High on Pot - Cops

JOLIET, IL — The other driver in a Saturday night motorcycle wreck that claimed the life of a man who was supposed to testify against his alleged accomplice at an upcoming murder trial was high on pot, police said.

Loria Ware, 50, was taken into custody on a charge of driving under the influence in connection with the fatal wreck at the corner of Richards Street and Third Avenue.

After Jermain Bennett, 42, ran his motorcycle into the driver’s side of Ware’s Dodge Charger and was taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, where he later died, police asked Ware for her driver’s license.

Ware reportedly told the cops her license was in her purse, which was still in the car.

When an officer went to retrieve the purse, he smelled a strong odor of cannabis, police said. He also allegedly found a bag of pot in the purse.

Ware was taken to the hospital for a blood test, police said, and then transported to the Will County jail.

Bennett was allegedly speeding when he collided with Ware’s Charger. After the impact, he was pinned beneath his bike and against Ware’s car, police said. Three passersby lifted the motorcycle off Bennett before firefighters arrived to rush him to the hospital.

Bennett was not wearing a helmet, police said. He suffered massive head and chest injuries and multiple fractures to his legs.

Doctors worked on Bennett for about an hour before he was pronounced deceased, according to police.

Bennett was released from jail less than three months ago after spending three and a half years in custody following the murder of 39-year-old Sean McGinn. Bennett and McGinn had owned the Cass Street boxing gym Team Joliet KO Zone together.

In August 2012, Bennett and another man, Kenneth Edwards, 48, allegedly set up a phony cocaine deal involving McGinn. McGinn reportedly headed to the area behind his downtown gym. When he arrived, he was shot twice.

A large sum of money was missing from McGinn’s car after the killing, according to police.

Bennett and Edwards were both charged with murder and armed robbery. Bennett pleaded guilty to the robbery charge and was free on bond while he awaited sentencing, said special prosecutor Dave Neal. As part of his deal, Bennett was to testify against Edwards at his murder trial.

Neal said he was going to ask for Bennett to be sentenced to 25 years in prison. Bennett’s sentencing was scheduled for September.

Edwards was released from jail in December 2014 so his right to a speedy trial would not be violated. He got out 16 months before Bennett, who was freed April 27.