Teen arrested for October crash near Janesville mall

JANESVILLE (WKOW) — Police say a 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a two-car crash that killed a 74-year-old Milton woman.

Sgt. Brian Vaughn of the Janesville Police Department tells Channel 27 News Ty M. Matijevich of Janesville was arrested late Friday afternoon for the incident that happened October 19 at Milton Avenue in front of Janesville Mall.

Merilyn Mitchell, 74, of Milton, died from her injuries at a local hospital.

Sgt. Vaughn said Matijevich will likely be charged with homicide by negligent use of a motor vehicle as investigators say he apparently was speeding excessively when the collision happened.

The Janesville Gazette reports the arrest was made based on data retrieved from the crash reconstruction investigation, including information gleaned from the Chevy Cruz Matijevich was driving.

The overall crash investigation is ongoing.

Matijevich was booked into the Rock County Jail Friday night, but Sgt. Vaughn said he was released “with DA approval” later that evening. The police booking information didn’t state why the teen was released.

His first court date has been set for December 10 in Rock County.

The homicide by negligent use of a motor vehicle charge carries a fine of to $25,000 and/or up to 10 years in prison.