LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
CHRISMAN – A news release from the Edgar County Coroner’s Office has ruled the death of James H. Lutz a homicide. Lutz, a resident of rural Chrisman, was killed Friday, March 15 after a 2014 Ford F-150 crossed into his lane and struck his vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, head-on. The accident occurred on Illinois State Route 1, just north of 1960th Road.
The press release, posted just before 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, reveals Melissa J. Edwards, 38, of Marshall, Ill. was behind the wheel of the other vehicle. A toxicology report found Edwards, who survived the collision, was under the influence of methamphetamine and ketamine at the time of the collision.
The release in its entirety reads as follows.
EDGAR COUNTY CORONER -
FOLLOW UP TO MARCH 15, 2024 INFORMATION RELEASE
Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett has ruled the death of a rural Chrisman, Illinois, man a homicide.
A March 15, 2024, two vehicle crash on Illinois Highway Route one, approximately one quarter mile north of 1960th road (Edgar - Bloomfield Road), resulted in the death of 70 year old, James H. Lutz.
A white 2014 Ford F150 driven by 38 year old Melissa J. Edwards of Marshall, Illinois, was traveling northbound when the vehicle crossed the center lane and struck the southbound Black 2001 Chevrolet Silverado truck driven by Lutz.
Lutz was pronounced dead at the scene.
Edwards survived the accident and results of her toxicology testing show that she was under the influence of Methamphetamine and Ketamine at the time of the crash.
The manner of death determination of homicide is for the completion of the death certificate. The decision to pursue criminal charges is the responsibility of the State’s Attorney office.