On Nov. 22, Tempo reported about how residents of Pittsfield, Ill., were struggling with the death of Rashelle Cox, 16, who was killed in a car accident in western Illinois.
A member of her school’s student council and its basketball, volleyball, track and swimming teams, Rashelle was “extremely popular for all the right reasons,” said Pittsfield High School principal Andrew Carmitchell.
She was killed when her car collided with that of Pittsfield resident Jeffrey Groom, 20. Both had been to a drinking party. By all accounts, Rashelle had not drunk alcohol.
Groom, who had minor injuries, was charged with reckless homicide, driving while intoxicated, unlawful consumption of alcohol and improper passing.
As often happens in small towns, their lives had been intertwined. Groom had been a classmate and teammate of Rashelle’s brother. Rashelle had been a classmate and teammate of Groom’s sister. Their fathers had played baseball together.
Rashelle’s mother, Judy, had told the Tribune that Groom “is not a bad kid,” adding: “I think he needs to be found guilty, but going to jail won’t solve anything.”
Groom’s trial began Nov. 30, and just two days into it-after a witness testified that he had sold Groom and a friend a case of beer-Groom pleaded guilty to all charges. He was sentenced to three years’ probation, fined $2,500 and ordered to do 200 hours of community service.
Judy Cox said she was satisfied with the outcome of the trial and added that though “it was difficult getting through the holidays,” she, her husband, Charles, and their son, Rodney, 20, are doing their best to get on with life without Rashelle.