May 26, 2005
Wheaton Man Charged in May 25th Triple Reckless Homicide 

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett and DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba announced today that Reckless Homicide charges were filed against Shelley Dogra, 25 (d.o.b. 12/5/79), of 26W215 Prairie Avenue, Wheaton in connection with the fatal car crash that occurred early yesterday morning.  The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on May 25, 2005 on Indian Knoll Road in unincorporated West Chicago.  Dogra was injured in the accident and the three passengers in the car with him were killed.  The victims who died as a result of the crash are Marell Charan, 27, of Pleasant Hill in Wheaton, Nirav Mehta, 28, of Melrose Court in Urbana, IL, and Esther Rao, 22, of Prairie Avenue in Wheaton.

The charges allege that in the early morning hours of May 25th, while allegedly under the influence of alcohol, the defendant, driving a 2002 Nissan Maxima, took a turn too fast and lost control of the vehicle.  The car then struck a number of trees.  The crash was reported at 5:30 a.m. when a passing jogger called 911.  It is believed the crash may have occurred as early as 2:30 a.m. when neighbors in the surrounding area heard a loud noise. 

The three victims died at the scene of the accident and the defendant was transported to Central DuPage Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The defendant was charged with 3 counts of Reckless Homicide, each a Class 2 Felony.  He could receive 6 to 28 years in prison if convicted of Aggravated DUI resulting in the death of more than one person. 

“Drunk driving crashes are not accidents.  They are the result of people who, sip by sip, drink by drink, become intoxicated and then get behind the wheel; becoming indiscriminate killers.  They take the lives of innocent motorists, pedestrians and, in this case, two family members and a friend.  Memorial Day week-end is coming up.  It goes without saying, let’s be careful and prevent the deadly combination of alcohol, drugs and driving,” said State’s Attorney Birkett.

“I spoke to family members of all three victims today.  I ask that the media honor their request that their privacy be respected.  They asked me to deliver this message for them.  Words cannot express the shock and the suffering they are going through.  They ask only that you pray for the peace of the souls of these three young people.”

Additionally, State’s Attorney Birkett thanked the DuPage County Sheriff and his detectives for their thorough and professional investigation.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.