In Loving Memory of Perla Tejeda, 19, and Anthony Alexander Hernandez (initials A.H.), 14

In Loving Memory of Perla Tejeda, 19, and Anthony Alexander Hernandez (initials A.H.), 14

Victims of a tragic crash caused by a drunk and reckless driver in McHenry, Illinois

A Heartbreaking Loss

In the early hours of July 28, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., as the intersection of Richmond Road (Route 31) and McCullom Lake Road in McHenry lay quiet, a devastating collision occurred. An Audi A4—driven by 18‑year‑old Jason K. Land of Fox River Grove—ran a red light at high speed, striking a Nissan Sentra making a left turn and also colliding with a parked Toyota Echo. The impact claimed the lives of two siblings: Perla Tejeda, 19, and her younger brother, identified by initials as A.H., 14, both of McCullom Lake

Victim Identities

The McHenry County Coroner’s Office officially identified the female victim as Perla Tejeda, 19, of McCullom Lake. Her 14‑year‑old brother, referred to only as A.H., was also a resident of McCullom Lake. Both died from blunt force trauma sustained in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene. The male pedestrian was ejected from the vehicle, while Perla had to be extricated by rescue personnel

The Driver’s Charges

The driver, Jason K. Land, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.350, more than four times the legal limit in Illinois. Law enforcement say he disregarded a red light while traveling at extremely high speed, directly causing the collision. He faces two counts of aggravated DUI causing death—Class 2 felonies—and additional DUI-related misdemeanor charges, including failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash. At a court hearing on July 29, 2025, Land was ordered to remain in custody pending trial due to the severity of the offense and perceived community danger

Circumstances & Emergency Response

The crash involved three vehicles: the speeding Audi, the Nissan carrying the two siblings, and an unoccupied parked Toyota. The intersection remained closed for about seven hours as investigators from multiple local agencies reconstructed the scene. Emergency responders discovered Perla and her brother outside the vehicle; Perla had to be extricated. Land was seriously injured and hospitalized but later released and taken into custody

Lives Remembered

Although detailed personal biographies have not been widely published, the tragedy has deeply affected the McCullom Lake and McHenry communities. In court, the victims were referred to as two young, beloved teens whose futures were cut tragically short. Friends and community members describe the siblings as caring, vibrant individuals whose loss is felt keenly throughout the area.

Legal & Community Aftermath

Jason Land, a Johnsburg High School graduate, acknowledged in court that the evidence against him was overwhelming. His attorney described him as an “excellent” student who graduated early and had briefly pursued entrepreneurial projects before returning to Illinois. Nonetheless, the prosecution argued strongly for his continued detention, given the egregious nature of the crash and his extreme intoxication level

Further court proceedings are scheduled, with an upcoming preliminary hearing set for August 7, 2025

Reflection

This tragic event underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving and reckless behavior. Two young lives—Perla and her brother—were lost in an instant, leaving a void in their family and community. As legal and investigative processes move forward, the memory of Perla and A.H. stands as a solemn reminder of the need for responsible behavior on our roads.

If you are looking for funeral information, memorial details, or fundraising efforts for the family, local community notices and social media channels related to McCullom Lake area may provide additional support updates.

My condolences go out to all who knew and loved Perla Tejeda and her brother A.H. Their passing is deeply tragic, and these words honor their memory and the gravity of this loss.