Driver accused in crash that killed a Coles Co. board member and his wife pleads not guilty

WESTFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The driver who Illinois State Police said caused a deadly crash in Clark Co. on October 24 pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide and other charges, according to online court records.

34-year-old Edwin Pacheco Meza of Indianapolis was charged with reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated DUI. ISP said Meza also did not have a valid driver's license.

In court, Meza entered a plea of not guilty at an arraignment Monday. A jury trial has been set for Jan. 13.

The crash on W. Lincoln Street near S. Division Street in Westfield killed two people and injured two others.

According to Illinois State Police, a 71-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, both of Charleston, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Coles County Board Chairman Darrell Cox confirmed to WAND News the victims were husband and wife, Michael Clayton and Gail Clayton. Michael was a member of the Coles County Board.

A 72-year-old man and another 66-year-old woman, both of Charleston, were in the same car as the victims. They were taken to the hospital.

Police said Meza was driving a conversion van when he crossed the center line and hit a pickup truck head-on. Meza and an 18-year-old passenger were not hurt.

Meza was issued several citations by ISP, including: