Peoria Judge Sentences DUI Driver in Fatal Crash Case
A 23-year-old woman received jail time and probation for a high-speed wreck that severely injured a teenager.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Peoria County Chief Judge Katherine Gorman sentenced 23-year-old Kendall Blunt to 180 days in jail and 30 months of probation following a 2024 DUI crash. The collision resulted in severe head and leg injuries for a 17-year-old victim.
Why it matters
The sentencing serves to hold the defendant accountable for actions that led to significant physical trauma and wreckage on a city street. It highlights the legal consequences for drivers who operate vehicles at extreme speeds while under the influence.
Kendall Blunt was sentenced on October 28, 2026, to serve 180 days in the Peoria County Jail. The defendant remains eligible for day-for-day good-time credit on the sentence.
The players
Katherine Gorman
She serves as the Peoria County Chief Judge who presided over the sentencing of the defendant.
Kendall Blunt
The 23-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI following a crash on Northeast Adams Street.
OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
This facility provided emergency and follow-up medical treatment to the 17-year-old victim of the crash.
The details
Kendall Blunt pleaded guilty in August 2026 after driving a 2010 Ford Mustang at approximately 100 mph on Northeast Adams Street. The vehicle rear-ended a 2020 GMC Yukon, which was traveling at about 35 mph, causing both vehicles to roll over.
Timeline
The crash occurred on June 13, 2024.
Kendall Blunt was charged with aggravated DUI in December 2025.
The defendant pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI in August 2026.
Kendall Blunt received her sentence on October 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the sentencing guidelines established under the Illinois aggravated DUI statute for incidents resulting in bodily harm. It reflects the judiciary's approach to increasing accountability for high-speed reckless driving that endangers local residents.
The high-speed nature of the collision has heightened community focus on traffic safety enforcement along Northeast Adams Street. Residents should remain aware of ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to curb speeding and reckless driving in the area.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe personal and legal repercussions of driving under the influence at high speeds. Drivers are reminded that reckless behavior behind the wheel can result in permanent injuries to others and significant criminal penalties.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMBD 31 Peoria.
