In a tragic turn of events in Geneva, Illinois, a young man faces serious charges after a devastating car crash last year resulted in the deaths of an elderly couple. The Kane County State’s Attorney Office has announced that 20-year-old Charles T. Rodgers, from St. Charles, is now facing multiple charges following the incident.
The charges against Rodgers include Unlawful Possession of a Stolen/Converted Motor Vehicle, Reckless Homicide, Aggravated Reckless Driving, and Speeding. These charges emerged after Rodgers allegedly drove a vehicle at an alarming speed of nearly 120 mph. This vehicle, a BMW X3, was reportedly taken from a dealership where he was employed.
The fatal crash occurred on the afternoon of September 5, 2025, around 1:40 p.m. at the intersection of Bricher Road and Fisher Drive in Geneva. According to police reports, the collision happened when a 2005 Toyota Corolla, driven by an 85-year-old man, attempted to turn onto Bricher Road from Fisher Drive. Unfortunately, the Toyota was struck by the speeding BMW X3 driven by Rodgers.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the occupants of the Toyota, Dennis White, aged 85, and his 88-year-old wife, Ritsuko White, both lost their lives. The crash has left a somber mark on the community, as the couple was remembered for their cherished lives.
A Geneva man driving a 2005 Toyota Corolla attempted to turn onto Bricher Road from Fisher Drive when his vehicle was struck by a BMW X3 that was traveling on Bricher, Geneva police said.
The 85-year-old driver and his 88-year-old wife who was a passenger in the vehicle were both killed in the crash. They were identified as Dennis White, 85, and Ritsuko White, 88.
“The BMW was driven by Rodgers, who had three passengers in the car with him,” the Kane County State’s Attorney Office said in a news release. “Rodgers was not legally allowed to possess the car and had obtained it from a St. Charles Chrysler Dodge dealership where he was employed at the time.”
Prosecutors in court Friday said Rodgers accelerated to 119 mph moments before the crash and did not attempt to brake, instead swerving and unsuccessfully avoiding the collision.
The vehicle Rodgers was driving caught fire after the crash, but was extinguished, police said at the time.
“Two of the BMW’s passengers suffered fractures as a result of the crash,” the Kane County State’s Attorney Office said in a news release. “The third passenger was medically released at the scene.”
Rodgers was released under home electronic monitoring pending trial. He is banned from driving and making contact with the survivors of the crash, officials said.
Rodgers is scheduled to appear in court again May 20.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
