CARROLL COUNTY — A former sheriff’s deputy charged in connection with the death of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle is now asserting through his defense that the Mount Carroll teen may have taken his own life — a stark contrast to the homicide ruling issued by a coroner’s jury.
Matt Herpstreith, previously employed as a Carroll County deputy, is facing a charge of reckless homicide following the death of Kradle, whose body was discovered in a roadway earlier this year.
Coroner Ruled It a Homicide, But Defense Offers Different Story
The revelation came during a pretrial hearing on Friday, where defense attorneys raised the possibility of suicide, despite a jury previously ruling Kradle’s death to be a homicide during a coroner’s inquest.
Illinois State Police Special Agent Matthew Klipping testified during the hearing, offering details about the immediate aftermath of the incident. According to Klipping, Mount Carroll police officer Scott Marth was the first to respond after Herpstreith contacted authorities and reported finding a body.
However, Marth did not ask Herpstreith if he had struck the teen, and notably, Marth was not equipped with a body camera or any video surveillance in his vehicle — leaving no official footage of the scene.
Timeline and Witness Statements Complicate the Case
Adding another layer to the case, testimony revealed that Herpstreith had been out drinking with friends before the incident. Witnesses claimed he had visited at least three bars and attended a house party in the hours before Kradle was found dead. It is unclear whether alcohol played a role in the incident.
Herpstreith reportedly called in the discovery himself, stating he had found a body in the road. The defense now argues there’s a lack of conclusive evidence that he actually struck Kradle — especially given the absence of direct questioning at the scene and the lack of footage.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
A status hearing in the case is scheduled for August 8, where further motions and updates are expected. Prosecutors are likely to push back against the suicide theory, especially in light of the coroner’s homicide determination.
The case has drawn significant attention in Carroll County, with questions about law enforcement accountability, evidence handling, and how Kradle’s death was initially investigated.
Background on the Case
The fatal incident occurred earlier this year, shaking the small community of Mount Carroll. Kradle, an 18-year-old with no known history of suicidal ideation, was found dead in the road under unclear circumstances. The initial investigation and community concern led to a formal coroner’s inquest, which returned a homicide ruling.
The Illinois State Police and local authorities have remained tight-lipped about many case details, citing the ongoing court process.
Special Coverage Available
For those seeking an in-depth look, News 8 has released a special report, “The Death of Jackson Kradle,” available for streaming through the WQAD News 8 Plus app on Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and other platforms.
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