Fatal Encounters

A step toward creating an impartial, comprehensive and searchable national database of people killed during interactions with police

Jessica Uhl

Name: Jessica Uhl
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Race: European-American/White
Date: 11/23/2007
Location: I-64
Fairview Heights, Illinois, 62208
County: St. Clair
Agency: Illinois State Police
Cause of Death: Vehicle
Intended Use of Force: Vehic/Purs
Media summary: State trooper Matt Mitchell was driving 126 mph before he lost control of his cruiser, crossed a median and struck a car occupied by sisters Jessica Uhl and Kelli Uhl. The Uhls' car burst into flames and they died at the scene. Mitchell required several surgeries. Mitchell was reportedly using his computer and cell phone while driving. Mitchell was in two prior on-duty crashes in his 6-year career, one of which led to a $1.7 million judgment against the state. In April 2010, Mitchell pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and aggravated reckless driving. He was sentenced to 30 months probation. The sisters' parents were awarded $8 million from the state by the Illinois Court of Claims. Mitchell now resides in Texas and is unable to obtain a driver's license, in spite of his continued efforts to do so.
Unique ID: 6699

News article: Link






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