Ex-WNBA star Sophie Brunner's mom killed in head-on crash with illegal immigrant with history of driving drunk
Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, was struck when Rolando Ico-Choc, a 30-year-old Guatemalan national, crossed over into the wrong lane in Freeport on Saturday afternoon, the Stephenson County Sheriff's office said.
The migrant, who had a rap sheet including prior DUIs, was also killed in the wreck, according to officials.
3 Darcy Connolly-Brunner was killed in a car accident over the weekend.
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Authorities are now probing whether Ico-Choc was under the influence at the time of the double fatality.
They have already said there is no indication the mom-of-four was drunk.
In the wake of the tragedy, Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) said Ico-Choc was in the US illegally and was known to Homeland Security.
'A woman who dedicated her life to her family and her community was killed in broad daylight by a man who never should have been in this country or on the road,' Chesney said in a statement.
'His criminal record includes prior charges of DUI, aggravated (felony) DUI, and battery. Additionally, it was confirmed by the US Department of Homeland Security that he was in this country illegally, having crossed the border a few years ago during the Biden administration.'
3 The fatal crash happened in Freeport, Ill. on Saturday afternoon.
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3 Connolly-Brunner was the mother of former WNBA star Sophie Brunner.
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The senator blasted the state's lax immigration law — known as the TRUST Act — that prevents local cops from working with ICE to nab criminal migrants.
'Over the last few years, this man was shielded by systems that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants and are more focused on allowing criminals to walk free than on protecting Illinois citizens,' Chesney said.
'I am not going to sit by silently while dangerous repeat offenders who are in this country illegally are given free rein to destroy lives.'
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