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Father Released Without Charges in Son's Death

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Oct 6, 2008 at 4:33 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 6, 2008 at 7:27 PM CST

A 21 year old father involved in the death of his son has been released from jail without charge.

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Michael Wells was riding his motorcycle in a parking lot over the weekend, and ran into his four year old son, Ashton. The East Peoria boy died of multiple injuries.

Peoria County Assistant State's Attorney Steve Patelli said there was no indication of intent to cause harm on Wells' part, and that there was no indication Wells had been drinking.

Patelli said a further investigation will determine if Wells will face reckless driving charges. Prosecutors have 30 days to bring charge Wells.

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View Oldest Comments First

Thursday, Oct 9 at 5:09 PM Kellie wrote ...

I know that these comments are reviewed by the Journal Star before being posted, so why would they post such nasty comments from truly nasty people!! Keep your pointless and rude comments to yourself. He is going through enough without people demeaning him, he was a loving father, pick on the people that don't take care of their children. My prayers go out to Mike and the family.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:55 PM Monica wrote ...

I tried posting two messages previously & it did not appear. This is what I wanted to state: Those of you who have a problem with Michael do not know him, u have never lost a loved one, &/Or you have no heart! Our family is going through such a trial right now and we do not need u calling him names! For all of those who are praying we thank you and ask that you continue to do so Michael & Holly do need your prayers! God bless

Thursday, Oct 9 at 7:26 AM rachel wrote ...

Seriously what is wrong with you people? Does anyone have a heart? This was an ACCIDENT. Holly is my best friend and her and Mike just lost their baby. Keep your comments to yourself. Nobody cares what you have to say.

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 9:17 PM april wrote ...

We love you Holly and Mike! Everyone is praying for you!

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 7:16 AM pat robinson wrote ...

My prayers are with you and your family. Look to God for your healing. I am so sorry for your loss.

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 1:53 AM price wrote ...

you are offically a murderer hope your happy.you dont deserve peace!!!!

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 1:49 AM tracey wrote ...

what in the hell were you thinking mike? use your brain once in awhile dont you realize accidents happen to everybody you are no exception! i hope you do have to live with this the rest of your life you killed an innocent victim your own flesh and blood! i hope you go to prison for LIFE

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:41 PM josh wrote ...

John he has to live with the fact that he killed his own boy for the rest of his life he doesnt need nosey people such as yourself that think they know everything out criticizing him let him be you would be a lot better of a person if you would just pray for the family accidents are called accidents for a reason ... wells family you are in our prayers this is a sad situation to hear

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:33 PM Capri-Angel wrote ...

What is right, what is wrong, who’s job is it to decide? He who casts the 1st stone? Woulda coulda shoulda! God knows, who buy the way is the only one who should. I can’t even begin to imagine, what it feels like to be any of the family members, let alone, the father of this boy. It is a parent worst nightmare! May the Lord Bless and keep the family, for many years to come, as their life will be hard to live from now on. Shame on anyone to past judgment as it is God’s place, not ours.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 6:30 PM fellow parents wrote ...

I don't know this family but I know one of the witnesses and he is HEARTBROKEN! I can't even imagine how the family's/parents feel! Everyone needs to stop and remember some of the mistakes we all made when we where 21, his unfortunately is unfixable. (He who has no sins may cast the first stone) I am praying for this entire family and I am so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine. God bless you with strength and comfort.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 4:22 PM Reader wrote ...

Bob--a lawsuit? Personally, I supported him being out to grieve and believe it was an accident. However, it was risky behavior and he wouldn't be the only person to face charges and arrest over such a thing. My best friend lost his life to another friend as young adults--definite accident, but still there were consequences. All the sorrow in the world doesn't bring back a life lost forever--it's nothing to take lightly.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 3:15 PM John wrote ...

Sounds like Michael had no business on a Motorcylce.Very reckless rider.No Insurance,registration,and riding wheelies and stunts with a child near by.I bet Michael has had tickets on this bike before this horrible accident.Just to bad a innocent 4 year old boy died.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:44 AM Mike's friend wrote ...

Pat-you obviously dont know mike or this family because if you did, you would know that mike would never have done this on purpose. An accident is called an accident for a reason. He is suffering enough with the loss of his little boy.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:02 AM BECUZ wrote ...

YOU KNOW ALLS I NEED TO SAY IS HOW CAN WE BLAME THE FATHER ONLY IN THIS! THERE WERE HOW MANY WITNESSES THERE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE MOTHER WAS THERE ON SITE AS WELL!! AND I CAN NOT AGREE WITH YOU ON THERE IS NOT ACCIDENT BECUZ I KNOW MICHEAL WOULD NEVER INTENTIONALLY HARM HIS SON ....THAT LITTLE BOY WAS HIS LIFE!!! SO IF YOU DONT HAVE ANY KIND WORDS FOR THE WELLS/BLANCH FAMILY GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND COMMENT!! WE LOVE U MIKEY! **ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN!! ***

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:09 AM PAT wrote ...

OF COURSE PAT WANTS A LAW SUIT FILED...LET THE CHILD REST IN PEACE AND MOVE ON..I FEEL HE WAS RECKLESS AND HE NEEDS TO BE PUNISHED..THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS...HE WAS NOT BEING A RESPONSIBLE PARENT..HE SHOULD PAY...

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 5:01 AM Bob wrote ...

Its good he got released. But you know or lawyers and police they had to put someone in jail. They don't check things out before arresting someone. It was an accident leave it alone. The family is suffering enough.I think there use to be such a think as false arrest.He and the family needs to file suit on the officers and the attorney that filed the charges on him in the first place. THAT WERE NOT NEEDED.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 1:07 AM THE LUCAS FAM wrote ...

ARE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! IM SORRY THIS ACCIDENT HAD TO END W SUCH TRAGEDY ITS JUST NOT FAIR!! BUT WE ARE SO GREATFUL THAT THEY SAW YOU FOR WHO YOU REALLY ARE AND THATS A LOVING FATHER! WE WONT STOP PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!! WE LOVE YOU AND BLESS YOU ALWAYS

Monday, Oct 6 at 10:22 PM Parent wrote ...

Let's focus on the poor family they didn't mean for this to happen. It's obvious not all people hurt their children on purpose. I feel for the family and the father and mother of this little boy will have enough issues in the future. God be with this family

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:16 PM Just Me wrote ...

Well I am glad to hear that. Im sure it was just an accident and that he feels horrible enough. Just know you and your family are in my thoughts.

Monday, Oct 6 at 7:52 PM john wrote ...

"Prosecutors have 30 days to bring charge Wells." say what?

Monday, Oct 6 at 6:10 PM a coworker wrote ...

Thank god the focus can now turn to Ashton and the family can grieve together during this very difficult time. Holly and Mike will need eachother to mourn Ashton's death. My heart goes out to you both. May god carry you through to brighter days.

Monday, Oct 6 at 4:50 PM NH wrote ...

What an answer to prayer! Now he can greive with his family. Justice will prevail and this family will have time to heal together. May God's peace be with this family.

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