On February 3rd at approximately 8 PM, Sangamon County Deputies responded to a report of a person down in the roadway at the mobile home park located at 1236 North Oaklane Road.
A resident of the mobile home park discovered a person lying in the road. Riverton Fire Department responded to the scene and determined the individual was deceased, and suffered injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. The investigation led Deputies to the identity of the female victim. Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon later released the identity of the 36-year-old Springfield woman as Alexandria Estrada.
Deputies were able to follow a trail of blood back to the roadway in front of Lot 131. Witnesses on scene reported a blue Jeep as possibly being involved. Investigation led Deputies to potential occupants of that trailer, and an associated blue 2019 Jeep. Based on this information, 53 year-old Steven Mehundrew was identified as a suspect.
At approximately 10 PM Mehundrew’s vehicle was located by a license plate reader camera at Dirksen Parkway and Clearlake Avenue. Deputies and Springfield Police Officers responded to the area and quickly located Mehundrew’s vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of East South Grand Avenue. Mehundrew was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Office.
Suspected blood was located on Mehundrew’s 2019 blue Jeep, and it was seized as evidence. Mehundrew was taken to the Sangamon County Jail after being interviewed by detectives. Mehundrew was charged with 1st Degree Murder, Reckless Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving death or injury, and Failure to Report an Accident involving death or injury.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Riverton and Springfield Police Departments for their prompt response and assistance on the case. The death remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.