April Valencia was 18 years old. Matthew Cuadra was 20. Both were from Lansing, Illinois. On the night of October 17, 2025, they were passengers in a vehicle driven by Gregory Carter on Chicago’s South Side.

They trusted him to get them home safely. They did not make it home.

The driver who allegedly killed them through reckless speeding fled the scene and spent 10 months evading capture before the US Marshals tracked him down.

Gregory Carter, 28 (Chicago Police Department)

The Crash

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on October 17, 2025, a multi-vehicle crash occurred near the intersection of South Vincennes Avenue and West 75th Street in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood in the 6th District.

According to Chicago Police, Gregory Carter was driving a black Dodge eastbound when his vehicle struck a gray Buick sedan and an unoccupied gray Mercedes parked nearby.

Carter was allegedly driving more than 35 MPH over the posted speed limit at the time of the crash.

The Dodge was occupied by five passengers ranging in age from 15 to 26.

April Valencia, 18, and Matthew Cuadra, 20, both of Lansing, Illinois, were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where both were pronounced dead.

Three other passengers were hospitalized at Comer Children’s Hospital, the University of Chicago Medical Center, and Advocate Christ Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

At the time of the crash, a 37-year-old woman driving the gray Buick sedan was cited for failure to yield during a left turn.

However, following a 10-month investigation by the Chicago Police Department Major Accident Investigation Unit, investigators determined that Carter’s excessive speed was the primary cause of the fatal crash, leading to his charges of reckless homicide.

He Fled

Carter fled the scene after the crash.

The Chicago Police Department Major Accident Investigation Unit opened an investigation.

Over the following 10 months, investigators built a case identifying Carter as the driver responsible for the deaths of Valencia and Cuadra.

On August 27, 2026, members of the Chicago Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Carter in the 2500 block of West 48th Street.

He was identified as the driver of the black Dodge and placed into custody.

The Charges

Carter faces four counts in connection with the October 2025 crash.

Two felony counts of reckless homicide.

One felony count of aggravated reckless driving causing bodily harm.

One misdemeanor count of speeding more than 35 MPH over the posted speed limit.

Various additional traffic citations.

A detention hearing is scheduled for August 29, 2026, at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse at 2600 South California Avenue.

April Valencia and Matthew Cuadra

April Valencia was 18 years old and lived in Lansing, Illinois. Matthew Cuadra was 20 years old and also lived in Lansing. Both were passengers in Carter’s vehicle on the night of October 17, 2025.

Chicago Crime Chaser was unable to locate public social media tributes to Valencia and Cuadra at the time of publication.

Anyone who knew April Valencia or Matthew Cuadra and wishes to share a tribute may contact Chicago Crime Chaser at [email protected].

Chicago Crime Chaser extends its deepest condolences to the families of April Valencia and Matthew Cuadra.