A Cook County judge has released William Andrade, a 25-year-old man from Rolling Meadows, on electronic monitoring while he awaits trial following his charge of reckless homicide in connection with a fatal crash in West Ridge last January. Judge Ankur Srivastava’s decision, delivered on Wednesday, denied the state’s request for Andrade’s detention pending trial and mandated electronic monitoring with strictly defined movement restrictions for work purposes. Andrade was apprehended in West Ridge on Monday by authorities. The charges stem from a devastating collision that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy, Danial Dadako, and injuries to several others. Prosecutors allege that Andrade was operating a 2013 Ford Fiesta at a high rate of speed when he disregarded a stop sign at the intersection of North Albany Avenue and West Rosemont Avenue around 12:16 a.m. on January 30th. The vehicle struck a 2024 Acura carrying four individuals – two adults and two teenagers – according to Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara. Emergency responders were dispatched, and Andrade immediately admitted to officers that he was speeding and failed to stop at the intersection. He had recently left work and was also scheduled to provide a coworker with a ride home at the time of the incident. The driver of the Acura sustained a fractured rib and a leg injury, while the front seat passenger suffered a knee fracture. This incident underscored the potential dangers of distracted driving and the critical importance of adhering to traffic regulations. The legal team representing Andrade is diligently working to build a strong defense, focusing on mitigating factors and presenting a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. Their strategy centers on demonstrating Andrade’s remorse and commitment to accepting responsibility for his actions. The prosecution, conversely, is determined to prove Andrade’s culpability and hold him accountable for the devastating consequences of his reckless behavior. The entire legal process is a testament to the gravity of the situation and the need for justice for all parties involved.

The charges stem from a devastating collision that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy, Danial Dadako, and injuries to several others. Prosecutors allege that Andrade was operating a 2013 Ford Fiesta at a high rate of speed when he disregarded a stop sign at the intersection of North Albany Avenue and West Rosemont Avenue around 12:16 a.m. on January 30th. The vehicle struck a 2024 Acura carrying four individuals – two adults and two teenagers – according to Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara. Emergency responders were dispatched, and Andrade immediately admitted to officers that he was speeding and failed to stop at the intersection. He had recently left work and was also scheduled to provide a coworker with a ride home at the time of the incident. The driver of the Acura sustained a fractured rib and a leg injury, while the front seat passenger suffered a knee fracture. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with authorities meticulously examining all available evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. They are analyzing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting forensic analysis of the vehicles involved. The goal is to establish a clear timeline of events and determine the precise cause of the crash. The legal team representing Andrade is focusing on presenting a comprehensive defense strategy, emphasizing the complexities of the situation and challenging the prosecution’s claims. They are exploring potential alternative explanations for the accident and seeking to demonstrate that Andrade’s actions were not intentionally reckless. The prosecution, on the other hand, is building its case on the evidence of Andrade’s speeding and disregard for traffic laws. They are presenting expert testimony to support their claims and arguing that Andrade’s actions constituted a serious breach of duty of care.

Tragically, Danial Dadako, the 14-year-old passenger seated in the rear, was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston and subsequently transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on February 2nd. The accident occurred just four blocks from the teen’s West Ridge residence, compounding the devastating impact of the event. Andrade’s defense attorney argued that his client did not pose a significant risk to the community, citing his immediate cooperation with law enforcement and his willingness to comply with officers’ instructions following the crash. Furthermore, the attorney presented evidence indicating that no drugs or alcohol were detected in Andrade’s system, based on blood and urine sample analysis. Judge Srivastava acknowledged the "unbelievably horrific" nature of the fatal crash, emphasizing the irreversible loss of Danial Dadako. However, she ruled that Andrade should continue to contribute to society under the court’s supervision. The legal proceedings will now focus on determining Andrade’s culpability and ensuring justice for Danial Dadako and his family. The community of West Ridge is grappling with the loss and seeking answers, while the legal system moves forward with the trial. The emotional toll of this tragedy is profound, and the families of both Andrade and Dadako are struggling to cope with the devastating consequences. Support services are available to help them navigate this difficult time. The case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving. The pursuit of justice is paramount, and all efforts will be made to ensure that Andrade is held accountable for his actions. The legal team representing Andrade is committed to fighting for a fair outcome, while the prosecution is determined to secure a conviction. The ultimate goal is to provide closure to the families of all those affected by this tragic event.

Judge Srivastava acknowledged the "unbelievably horrific" nature of the fatal crash, emphasizing the irreversible loss of Danial Dadako. However, she ruled that Andrade should continue to contribute to society under the court’s supervision. As a condition of his release, Andrade is prohibited from driving anywhere except for his commute to and from work. He is scheduled to return to court on June 24th. This case highlights the tragic consequences of reckless driving and the profound impact such incidents have on families and communities. The legal team representing Andrade is diligently working to build a strong defense, focusing on mitigating factors and presenting a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. Their strategy centers on demonstrating Andrade’s remorse and commitment to accepting responsibility for his actions. The prosecution, conversely, is determined to prove Andrade’s culpability and hold him accountable for the devastating consequences of his reckless behavior. The entire legal process is a testament to the gravity of the situation and the need for justice for all parties involved. The community of West Ridge is grappling with the loss and seeking answers, while the legal system moves forward with the trial. The legal proceedings will now focus on determining Andrade’s culpability and ensuring justice for Danial Dadako and his family. The case highlights the importance of road safety and the potential dangers of speeding and reckless driving. The pursuit of justice is paramount, and all efforts will be made to ensure that Andrade is held accountable for his actions. The legal team representing Andrade is committed to fighting for a fair outcome, while the prosecution is determined to secure a conviction. The ultimate goal is to provide closure to the families of all those affected by this tragic event.