Woman Convicted Of Killing Cyclist, Leaving Scene Sentenced To Prison

WAUKEGAN, IL — A Zion woman was handed a five-year state prison sentence this week after a jury decided she fatally struck a cyclist and drove away without offering help two years ago in Waukegan.

Chad Aiello, 37, a father of one from Kenosha, was rushed to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead.

Aiello worked as a concrete finisher and enjoyed golfing, bike rides and listening to music, according to an obituary. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Catholic church and "known for his infectious smile, always helping others [and having a] huge compassionate heart."

Linda Ray, 47, turned herself in to police about three days after the July 4, 2020, incident and was released on bail ahead of trial on charges of leaving the scene of the collision.

She was behind the wheel of a Cadillac SUV that was not registered to her and headed north on Lewis Avenue when she collided with Aiello's bicycle, which was headed south in the northbound lanes, shortly before 11:30 p.m., authorities said.

In March, a Lake County jury convicted Ray of aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving death, finding that she knew that she had struck Aiello but did not remain on the scene.

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Lake County Circuit Judge Charles Smith sentenced Ray to five years in prison at a hearing Wednesday. She faced a sentence of up to 15 years in prison for the class 1 felony offense. With good behavior, she will be eligible for parole after spending about 30 months behind bars.

During Ray's sentencing hearing, Smith said he hoped the sentence offered some closure to the Aiello family, even though it will not being him back, according to the state's attorney's office.

The judge said people fleeing the scenes of tragic accidents cannot be tolerated.

Aiello's friends and family members filled the courtroom during Ray's sentencing hearing, with five reading out victim impact statements, according to an office spokesperson. Family members read two of the statements, while Assistant State's Attorneys Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg and Scott Hoffert read the other three.