McHENRY, IL — A devastating car crash early Monday morning has claimed the lives of two teenage siblings, leaving a community in mourning and a driver facing multiple felony charges. The victims have been identified as Perla Tejeda, 19, and her 14-year-old brother, Anthony Alexander Hernandez, both residents of McCullom Lake. The collision occurred at the intersection of Richmond Road (Route 31) and McCullom Lake Road around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28.
According to McHenry Deputy Police Chief Thomas Walsh, the crash involved three vehicles and was caused by a driver traveling at excessive speed under the influence of alcohol. The suspect, 18-year-old Jason K. Land of Fox River Grove, was driving a red 2006 Audi A4 southbound on Richmond Road when he ran a red light, crashing into a black 2015 Nissan Sentra that was turning left onto McCullom Lake Road.
Inside the Nissan were Perla Tejeda and Anthony Hernandez, who were both pronounced dead at the scene by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office. Autopsies confirmed that both teens died from blunt force trauma sustained in the violent crash. A third vehicle, a 2003 Toyota Echo, was also impacted, though it was unoccupied and parked in a nearby lot.
Witnesses and first responders described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene. McHenry Township Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Chris Kozel stated that two of the victims were found outside the vehicle, and the third victim — Land — was trapped in the Audi and had to be extricated.
Land was transported to Northwestern Medicine Hospital McHenry with serious injuries. Authorities reported he was in critical but stable condition at the time of hospitalization.
Devastating Loss of Young Lives
The tragic deaths of Perla Tejeda and Anthony Hernandez have stunned the McHenry County community. The siblings, described by those who knew them as kind-hearted and full of life, were reportedly on their way home when the crash occurred.
Perla, just 19 years old, had recently graduated and was working to support her family while exploring college options. Her younger brother Anthony, 14, was preparing to start high school this fall. The close-knit family is now grappling with the unimaginable — the sudden loss of two children taken far too soon.
“Our hearts are broken,” one family friend shared on social media. “They were always smiling, always helping others. This should never have happened.”
Driver Charged with DUI Causing Death
Following an investigation by the McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team, which includes officers from multiple local law enforcement agencies, Jason K. Land has been formally charged.
According to court records, Land faces:
- Two counts of aggravated DUI involving death (Class 2 felonies)
- Four counts of driving under the influence (Class A misdemeanors)
- One citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash
Authorities allege that Land’s blood alcohol content was over four times the legal limit, contributing to his reckless and fatal actions that night.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” said Deputy Chief Walsh. “Driving under the influence remains one of the most dangerous decisions a person can make, and the cost here is the loss of two young lives.”
Community Response and Mourning
Vigils and memorials are already being planned in McHenry and McCullom Lake in honor of Perla and Anthony. Their family is receiving an outpouring of support from neighbors, classmates, and strangers alike. A GoFundMe page is expected to be launched to assist with funeral expenses and grief counseling.
Grief counselors have also been made available at local schools and community centers for those affected by the heartbreaking news.
Summary of Events:
- Date/Time: Monday, July 28, 2025, around 12:30 a.m.
- Location: Richmond Road (Route 31) & McCullom Lake Road, McHenry, IL
- Victims:
- Perla Tejeda, 19 (deceased)
- Anthony Alexander Hernandez, 14 (deceased)
- Suspect: Jason K. Land, 18 (Fox River Grove)
- Charged with multiple DUI-related offenses
- Reportedly over four times the legal alcohol limit
- Investigation by: McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team
- Additional Vehicle Involved: Unoccupied parked 2003 Toyota Echo
The crash is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving. As the investigation continues, the McHenry community stands united in grief, seeking justice and healing for the tragic loss of Perla and Anthony.
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