Peru man charged with aggravated DUI in March fatal crash

A Peru man could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted of DUI in a March 26 crash that killed his passenger.

Daniel Stalker, 44, of Peru, was charged Friday with two counts of aggravated DUI, a Class 2 felony carrying an extended sentencing range of 3-14 years in prison and only a limited shot at probation. He also is charged with driving while revoked, a Class 4 felony carrying 1-3 years.

A La Salle County warrant was issued fixing bond in the amount of $150,000. Stalker needs to post $15,000 in cash to be released from custody.

Court dates are pending. The case is assigned to Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr.

Stalker had already been facing charges of DUI plus assorted traffic offenses in the single-vehicle rollover accident reported March 26 on North 33rd Road, just west of Interstate 39 near La Salle.

Since then, however, passenger Shirley M. Stadler, 57, of Peru, died April 12 from injuries sustained in the crash. Impaired driving that results in serious injury or death typically results in a felony, provided authorities have toxicology results showing impairment.