Charges filed after accident in Swansea in which 27-year-old woman died

SWANSEA, Illinois – A man faces two charges in connection with a car crash in Swansea that killed a 27-year-old woman last month.

The St. Clair County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday charged 23-year-old Jacob T. Hall with vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving in connection with the May 2 crash that killed Karlie Langley.

In early June, Langley’s family spoke to 5 On Your Side, demanding justice and expressing frustration. More than a month after the crash, they still hadn’t received any answers.

Family members said Hall was an acquaintance of Langley’s and had picked her up that afternoon to take her to work, but before she could arrive, she was killed in a rollover accident on Highway 159.

The family said police initially told them the driver was under the influence of alcohol, speeding and driving recklessly at the time of the accident.

Karlie leaves behind a three-year-old son named Ryett. The boy’s father, Mark Benedick, told 5 On Your Side it was heartbreaking to see him still searching for his mother.

“I already sat down and told him that Mom is not coming back. But I’m going to have to have this conversation a few more times,” Benedick said.

Hall was taken into custody and booked into the St. Clair County Jail, where he was being held Tuesday, Swansea police said.