A Peoria woman faces felony aggravated DUI and aggravated reckless driving charges after the deaths of two pedestrians near an East Peoria bar Sunday night.
Stephanie Melgoza, 23, is charged in the deaths of 43-year-old Andrea Rosewicz and 55-year-old Paul Prowant. Both victims were from out of state.
An East Peoria officer responding to the scene near the Throttle Bar and Grill on North Main Street said the front end of Melgoza's car was badly damaged when he arrived. She had slurred speech, red, watery eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol on her breath, per a prosecutor's affidavit. Melgoza also showed signs of impairment during a subsequent field sobriety test, the affidavit said.
An open bottle of Tito's vodka and cannabis were found in her vehicle. Melgoza told the East Peoria police officer she had three vodka drinks before getting into her car, the affidavit said.
Melgoza, a Bradley University student, told police she was speeding 10 miles per hour over the posted 30 mph limit when she hit somebody with her car.
She's due back in court on May 24.
