The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed reckless homicide charges against a Danville woman in connection with a hit and run incident last Wednesday. Bond for 24-year-old Shawana Highler has been set at one-million dollars. Highler is facing two counts of reckless homicide, four counts of aggravated battery with the victim being over 60, and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident.
The charges stem from an incident on the evening of Wednesday, August 11th. Danville Police say after talking to witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, it appeared a vehicle intentionally struck 47-year-old Donna Denson of Danville, along with an 18-year-old female. Denson died after being taken to a local hospital.
Danville Police Commander Joshua Webb says the investigation found there had been an altercation involving several people and the driver of the vehicle just before the two women were struck. The suspect vehicle fled from the scene in the 1600 block of Edgewood, but police apprehended Highler shortly thereafter.
Highler pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday. Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 7th.
Police said Friday that the 18-year-old female who was struck remained hospitalized in stable condition.
