ISP Arrest Man Charged with Aggrivated DUI and Reckless Homicide in Westfield Crash

A member of the Coles County Board and his wife were killed in a head-on collision in Clark County Friday evening that also left two other Charleston residents with life-threatening injuries. An Indianapolis man is now facing charges of Reckless Homicide and Aggravated Driving Under the Influence in connection with the fatal crash.

The victims have been identified as Michael Clayton, 71, and Gail Clayton, 66, of Charleston. Michael Clayton represented district two and was serving his second term on the board.

The crash occurred around 7 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, on West Lincoln Street near South Division Street in Westfield.

According to Illinois State Police (ISP), a Chevrolet Express van driven by 34-year-old Edwin O. Pacheco-Meza of Indianapolis, IN, was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line and struck a Ford F150 truck head-on.

Clark County Coroner Jeff Pearce confirmed that Michael and Gail Clayton, who were passengers in the truck, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The two other occupants of the truck, a 72-year-old male driver and a 66-year-old female passenger, both of Charleston, were transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Pacheco-Meza was treated for minor injuries, while his passenger, 18-year-old Juan L. Morales Martinez of Lawrence, IN, was uninjured.

Following the crash, Pacheco-Meza was arrested and detained in the Clark County Jail. On Monday, October 27, the Clark County State’s Attorney’s Office formally filed two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence and one count of Reckless Homicide against him. Pacheco-Meza will remain in custody pending court proceedings following a detention hearing.

The investigation is ongoing, and ISP officials have indicated that additional charges may be pending. No further information is available at this time.

It is important to note that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.