Wisconsin Woman Accused of Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 68-Year-Old Friend in Zion Released Without Bond
ZION, ILLINOIS — A 61-year-old woman from Kenosha County, Wisconsin, is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she was driving drunk when she caused a deadly crash that killed her 68-year-old friend in Zion earlier this year.
According to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Cindy Cutler has been charged with two counts of aggravated DUI resulting in death and two counts of reckless homicide with a motor vehicle. The crash claimed the life of Judith Kidder, who lived in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
Crash Details and Investigation
Police said the fatal collision occurred on March 15 near the intersection of Russell Road and Green Bay Road. A pickup truck had been stopped at a red light when Cutler’s Hyundai Elantra slammed into it at a high rate of speed.
Emergency responders found Kidder critically injured in the passenger seat of Cutler’s car. She was rushed to Vista Medical Center East, where she was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m., according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The driver of the pickup truck was not injured in the crash.
An autopsy later confirmed that Kidder died from blunt force injuries to the head and neck sustained in the collision.
Driver’s BAC Nearly Twice Legal Limit
Investigators said Cutler appeared visibly impaired at the scene — officers observed slurred speech, unsteady balance, and a strong odor of alcohol.
Court records show that Cutler admitted to drinking before driving, telling police that her vision was blurry and that she had consumed several drinks earlier that evening.
A preliminary breath test at the hospital measured her blood alcohol level at .19, while a later lab test confirmed a BAC of .172 — more than twice the legal limit.
“The Elantra showed no signs of slowing down before hitting the back of the pickup truck,” a witness wrote in a statement to police.
Court Ruling and Pretrial Release
Cutler appeared in Lake County Court on October 3, where prosecutors requested that she be detained pending trial. However, Judge Michael Nerheim ruled that she would be released without bond under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, noting her cooperation with investigators and lack of prior convictions.
“This defendant has been in regular contact with investigators since this happened,” Nerheim said. “She even turned herself in when the warrant was issued.”
Defense attorneys told the court that Cutler had voluntarily entered a mental health treatment facility after the crash and has continued to seek counseling.
Next Steps in the Case
Prosecutors filed the formal charges on September 26, and Cutler’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 8.
If convicted, she faces up to 14 years in prison for aggravated DUI resulting in death and additional penalties under Illinois’ reckless homicide statutes.
Authorities say the case underscores the ongoing dangers of drunk driving — particularly when passengers and friends are put at risk.
Stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for updates on this case and other safety-related stories across Wisconsin and northern Illinois.