Ex-Deputy Pleads Not Guilty in Teen's Death
Matthew Herpstreith faces three felony charges in the 2024 death of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle of Mount Carroll.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Crime — General
Former Carroll County sheriff's deputy Matthew Herpstreith pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide, reckless conduct, and obstructing justice in the 2024 death of Jackson Kradle. Prosecutors allege Herpstreith was drinking and driving in July 2024 when he struck Kradle and then tried to destroy evidence of the accident.
Why it matters
The case puts a former law enforcement officer's conduct under court scrutiny, including allegations that he attempted to conceal evidence. A judge's grant of immunity to a former dispatcher's testimony may also shape how the trial proceeds.
Herpstreith has pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide, reckless conduct, and obstructing justice, with jury selection set to begin November 9. Judge-granted immunity covers former dispatcher Amy Hubble's testimony, though she could still face perjury charges if she lies.
The players
Matthew Herpstreith
A former Carroll County sheriff's deputy charged in the 2024 death of Jackson Kradle, who has pleaded not guilty to all three felony counts.
Amy Hubble
A former Carroll County dispatcher granted immunity for her testimony in the upcoming trial.
The details
Prosecutors allege Herpstreith said he had already found Kradle deceased after the crash. Jackson Kradle was from Mount Carroll, and the case is being tried in the Carroll County court system.
Timeline
July 2024: Alleged drinking-and-driving incident that killed Jackson Kradle.
November 9, 2026: Trial begins with jury selection.
Legal Context
Immunity grants like the one given to Amy Hubble are a standard tool prosecutors use to compel testimony from witnesses with potential exposure to prosecution. The arrangement means her testimony cannot be used to prosecute her, though false statements could still bring perjury charges.
The trial's outcome may affect public confidence in how law enforcement officers are held accountable for off-duty conduct. Residents in the Sauk Valley region can follow the proceedings as they unfold in Carroll County court.
The takeaway
Accountability cases involving former officers often hinge on evidence handling and witness credibility, both of which will be tested when jury selection begins November 9.
What happens next
Jury selection in the Herpstreith trial is set to begin November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on related cases, browse Crime — General coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northern Public Radio: WNIJ and WNIU.
