An Aurora man is facing a murder charge after prosecutors say he intentionally drove the wrong way on the Dan Ryan Expressway, causing a crash that killed Chicago woman Victory Swanigan, according to WGN News.
Juan Ruiz Huerta, 29, of Aurora, is accused of pursuing Swanigan for months before the deadly crash. According to prosecutors and reporting from WGN News, Huerta allegedly referred to Swanigan as his girlfriend, but a friend of Swanigan’s told investigators that Huerta had been stalking her before the incident.
Prosecutors say the moments before the crash were captured during a FaceTime call between Swanigan and her friend. Shortly after 5:30 p.m., Swanigan called the friend in a panic and reportedly said Huerta was “driving crazy.”
The friend told investigators that Swanigan said Huerta began arguing with her and became angry after questioning where their relationship stood. During the FaceTime call, the witness said Huerta did not speak as Swanigan pleaded for her safety, reminding him that she was a mother of three children.
Authorities say the situation escalated when Huerta allegedly drove the wrong way on the Dan Ryan Expressway, leading to a violent crash that killed Swanigan.
Prosecutors allege the collision was intentional and not a tragic accident. Huerta was later taken into custody and charged with murder.
Swanigan’s death has left her family, friends, and community grieving as they remember her life and mourn the loss of a mother who was taken too soon.
The case has also highlighted concerns surrounding stalking and relationship violence, as investigators continue examining the events that led up to the deadly crash.
Huerta is expected to appear in court as the case moves forward. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will present their arguments as the legal process continues.
The investigation remains ongoing, and more details are expected to be released as the case develops.
