Hit-And-Run Truck Found After 3 Killed

Police have found the truck involved in a hit-and-run accident on a dark rural road that killed three young girls who had sneaked out of a slumber party to visit a boy.

The Chevrolet Blazer found in Chicago matches parts found at the scene of the May 26 accident. A woman in the Chicago neighborhood called police after realizing the license plates matched the ones being sought in connection with the accident in Crete, about 30 miles south of Chicago.

No charges have been filed.

The owner of the truck, Richard D. Devon, checked into a Joliet hospital Friday and remained there Monday, Undersheriff Keith Kostelny said.

“Mr. Devon’s whereabouts are being monitored by us. And believe me, he is not driving anywhere,” Kostelny said.

Sheena Acres and Courtney Lauer, both 12, were staying over at the home of 11-year-old twins Cari and Sara Sanaghan when they decided to visit Jason Noll, 13, who lives about a mile away, police said.

The four girls and Jason were heading back to the Sanaghan home just before midnight when the accident occurred only a few dozen feet from the Sanaghans’ driveway.

Sheena, Courtney and Cari were killed; Sara was treated and released from a hospital. Jason was not injured.

Sara told police the group was walking in the road when they were hit.

Courtney’s mother, Julienna Lauer, said if the driver had come forth earlier, she could have forgiven the person. But she said that feeling had dissipated as the search continued.

“It’s good to know that people are keeping their eyes open on this,” Lauer said. “I want this person brought to justice.”