KANE COUNTY, IL — A 20-year-old South Elgin man accused of driving while under the influence of marijuana when he caused a crash that killed two of his friends on Halloween 2022 faces charges for allegations he violated conditions of his pretrial release. 

Tyler Schmidt, 20, has been sentenced to 15 days in jail for the violations that happened in September, the Daily Herald is reporting. As part of his pre-trial release, Schmidt cannot use alcohol or cannabis and cannot violate laws. On Sept. 24, he tested positive for THC, and on Sept. 27, he was cited for illegally passing a vehicle on the shoulder of the road.

Schmidt is accused of driving while under the influence of marijuana when he crashed his 2013 Lexus sport utility vehicle into the back of a Burlington Central District 303 bus on Empire Road between Burlington Road and Route 47, authorities said. 

Two passengers in his car, Grace Diewald, 20, and her brother, Emil Diewald, 19, both of Campton Hills, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. A third passenger in the SUV suffered severe injuries. Schmidt sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening, authorities said following the crash. 

There were 31 Lily Lake Grade School students on the bus at the time of the crash, which happened at about 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2022, and all the children were treated and released to their parents at the scene of the crash. Schmidt was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, a class 2 felony; reckless homicide, a class 3 felony; aggravated DUI, a class 4 felony; and aggravated reckless driving, a class 4 felony.  Siblings Killed In Crash Remembered As Kind, Supportive Friends 2 Killed In Crash Involving School Bus, Vehicle: Cops Conditions of his bail included submitting to random drug and alcohol testing, and he was to remain on electronic home monitoring. He was not to drive without a valid license and to leave home only to go to work and attend medical, counseling or attorney appointments, according to a statement from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.  According to the Daily Herald, last year, Schmidt was sentenced to 14 days in jail for violating conditions of his pretrial release, but that sentenced was stayed. In that incident, Schmidt reportedly said he was going to Wood ridge for work, but GPS data showed he drove to Huntley, where he was stopped for speeding.My heart breaks every time I think about the tragic event that took place on that fateful day when Tyler Schmidt chose to drive under the influence of marijuana. In doing so, he took two precious lives—lives that can never be returned. This incident has left an indelible scar on their families, friends, and our community. Yet, despite causing such irreparable harm, Tyler Schmidt received a mere 4.5-year sentence. This punishment does not fit the gravity of the crime. The pain and suffering endured by the families of the victims are beyond words. Their loss cannot be quantified, and their loved ones deserve justice. How can they find peace when the individual responsible for their suffering may soon walk free? Each day of his short sentence feels like another stab at the heart of those grieving family members who must live with the absence of their son, daughter, or friend forever. Driving under the influence of any substance is a conscious decision and should be met with severe penalties that reflect the potential danger it poses to all road users. In this case, the consequences were fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States are due to alcohol-impaired-driving crashes alone; this highlights the very real and deadly risk of impaired driving. However, the issue extends beyond alcohol. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers who tested positive for THC, the active component of marijuana, are 1.25 times more likely to cause an accident than those without it in their system. This points out the urgent necessity for a judiciary response that not only serves justice but acts as a deterrent to others. Life imprisonment for Tyler Schmidt is not just about one case, but about setting a precedent. We must send a clear message that driving under the influence of drugs will not be tolerated and will be met with the harshest possible consequences in order to prevent future tragedies. Please, join me in urging our judicial system to reconsider Tyler Schmidt's sentence. By giving him a life sentence, we will honor the memory of the innocent lives lost and protect countless others who might otherwise suffer the same fate. Sign this petition to demand justice and prevent future tragedies through stronger deterrence and appropriate sentencing.