Illinois Couple Hurt in Deadly Crash With Ex-Trooper Paid

An Illinois couple has gotten a $700,000 check from the state for injuries suffered in a crash with an Illinois State Police trooper who was driving more than 120 mph and using his cellphone.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Christine and Kelly Marler of Fayetteville were approved for the payout from the Illinois Court of Claims a year ago in their case against former trooper Matt Mitchell. The state legislature, however, needed to pass an appropriations bill to pay the settlement.

Mitchell was driving on Interstate 64 in southwestern Illinois in 2007 when his cruiser crossed the median, killing two Collinsville sisters and injuring the Marlers.

Mitchell later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide charges and was sentenced to probation.

Mitchell now lives in Texas.