A 23-year-old Tennessee man pleaded guilty to reckless homicide on Tuesday in the September 2022 death of a pedestrian in Bloomington.
Drew Tedrick was accused of operating a motorcycle while under the influence of cannabis when his vehicle struck 37-year-old John P. Grisham of Bloomington in the area of Veterans Parkway and Empire Street.
In a plea agreement accepted by McLean County Associate Judge Amy McFarland, Tedrick pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, operating a motorcycle or moped on one wheel and cannabis DUI. In exchange for the guilty pleas, the state dismissed aggravated DUI charges related to a death.
Tedrick was sentenced to 30 months probation and 180 days in jail, with 60 days to be served immediately and 120 days stayed as long as Tedrick complies with his probation. He was ordered to pay $20,200 restitution and complete any recommended substance abuse treatment.
Reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, carries a possible penalty of two to five years in prison or probation.
The hearing drew family members and supporters for Tedrick and the victim. Grisham’s parents each offered a victim impact statement to the judge.
John Grisham, the victim's father, recounted the early morning hours of Sept. 2, 2022, and the arrival of police at his door to deliver news of the fatal accident.
“So the nightmare began for our family,” Grisham recalled.
Addressing Tedrick directly, Grisham said the family’s trauma was “because of your decision to get high and ride your motorcycle on one wheel.”
Barb Grisham held her son’s portrait as she delivered her statement. She acknowledged that the crash was devastating to Tedrick and his family. Her son’s death, she said, “makes no sense,” and closed her remarks by telling Tedrick, “I hope you never forget my son and he stays with you the rest of your life.”
A review hearing to determine Tedrick’s compliance with probation is scheduled for April 16, 2024.
