March 24--A 35-year-old Crest Hill man was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to causing a deadly crash in May 2014 while driving under the influence. He killed a 41-year-old Romeoville man.
William Hayes faced up to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated DUI involving a death. Due to truth in sentencing laws and time already served in the Will County jail, Hayes likely will be out of prison in 4 1/2 years.
Prosecutors said Hayes tested positive for Ecstasy at the time of the crash. He was driving on Weber Road shortly after 5 a.m. in Romeoville when he struck the car of Don Trasmonte, who was killed in the crash, prosecutors said.
Hayes quietly answered Will County Judge Daniel Rozak's questions after entering his plea.
"Mr. Hayes has always expressed remorse (about the crash)," attorney Jeff Tomczak said Wednesday.
Trasmonte's wife was in the car at the time of the crash. The couple has two boys, ages 18 and 9.
"It's not going to bring my husband back," said Cristy Trasmonte, who added that the sentence allows her to take a "few steps forward."
She added that she has forgiven Hayes.
"I know he didn't wake up that day wanting to kill someone," she said.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter.
