Chief public defender files motion asking for woman charged in 2020 fatal traffic crash to be released from jail

QUINCY — Chief Public Defender Todd Nelson filed a motion Monday seeking the release of Natasha McBride, who is charged in connection with a fatal 2020 traffic crash, from the Adams County Jail.

During a status hearing Tuesday morning, Judge Timothy Wessel set a Monday, May 2 hearing on Nelson’s motion. 

McBride, who faces four counts of first-degree murder, allegedly ran a traffic light at Fourth and Broadway while speeding on Aug. 14, 2020 and ran into a vehicle which led to the deaths of Jenniffer Hendricks, 54, of Rushville, and Dakota Corrick, 6, Archer Corrick, 4, and Ransom Corrick, 21 months. The Corrick boys were Hendricks’ grandchildren and lived in Kirksville, Mo.

McBride also faces four counts of reckless homicide, four counts of driving on a revoked license and four courts of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. She remains in the Adams County Jail on $5 million bond.

Judge Amy Lannerd ruled on April 4 to dismiss a driving under the influence charge against McBride. The Adams County State’s Attorney’s office quickly appealed that decision, and the case has been removed from the April jury trial docket.

Nelson wrote in his motion that when the state’s attorney’s office filed its appeal, it did not offer “any compelling reasons — nor any reason at all” as to why McBride should remain in pretrial custody pending the determination of the appeal.

He cited Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(a)(3) which states, “A defendant shall not be held in jail or to bail during the pendency of an appeal by the state, or of a petition or appeal by the state under Rule 315(a), unless there are compelling reasons for his or her continued detention or being held to bail.”

Nelson wrote that the compelling reasons “must clearly demonstrate that a defendant should remain imprisoned for an uncertain and indefinite time despite the presumption of innocence and the weakened posture of the state’s case.

“… Supreme Court Rule 604(a)(3) entitles the defendant to release from such bail unless reasons compel its continuation. The fact that the defendant is charged with murder, standing alone, is not reason to detain her while the state appeals.”