Peoria Standard

On June 27, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois, Jeremy E. Perry received a maximum sentence of 26 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The sentencing followed a fatal car crash that occurred in January 2023, which resulted in the death of Miriam Schmid and left her son severely injured.

During the hearing, members of the Schmid family expressed how the loss has profoundly impacted their lives. Miriam and her husband were supposed to celebrate their 20th anniversary this year; instead, he now faces raising five children alone. One child who was with Miriam during the crash suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and a lacerated spleen. This child spent weeks hospitalized and now requires glasses due to vision issues from the incident. The children are now without their mother's unique love and have assumed additional responsibilities for each other.

Assistant State’s Attorney Dave Gast requested the court impose the maximum sentence on Perry due to the ongoing physical and mental trauma inflicted on the family.

The incident took place on January 15, 2023, when Peoria County Sheriff's Office deputies pursued Perry as he attempted to flee. At Route 150 and Koerner Road intersection, Perry ran a red light and collided with Schmid's vehicle in a three-car crash. A blood test showed THC and methamphetamine present in his system.

Perry was sentenced to serve consecutive terms: 14 years for Aggravated Driving Under the Influence and 12 years for Aggravated DUI, totaling 26 years.