Driver charged with murder in teen's death

Police witnesses’ claim: Car jumped curb to hit victim who then was beaten

ELGIN -- A Streamwood woman intentionally rammed her car into an Elgin teen, crushing him against a building on the city's east side, authorities alleged Tuesday in announcing she has been charged with his murder.

Timera D. Branch, 33, of the 200 block of Monarch Drive, was charged Tuesday with two counts of first-degree murder in the death Sunday of 17-year-old John W. Keyes of Elgin.

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Elgin police detectives were at 260 Center St. on Monday, gathering information after a teenager was run over by a vehicle there about 4 p.m. Sunday. The youth died.
(Marina Makropoulos/Staff Photographer)

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John W. Keyes, 17, of Elgin, photographed during his sophomore year at Elgin High School for the 2008-09 yearbook.
(Sun-Times Media)

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Nick Graf watches on Monday as Riley Richardson lays a yellow rose on the spot where their friend John W. Keyes (inset, right), 17, died Sunday after he was struck by a car at 260 Center St., Elgin. A Streamwood woman has been charged with murder in the case.

(Marina Makropoulos/Staff Photographer)

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Timera Branch

(Courtesy Photo)

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The Kane County state's attorney alleged Branch's car jumped a curb and struck Keyes as he tried to run away, crushing him against the side of the Burnham Wing Schoolhouse Apartments, 260 Center St., about 4 p.m. Sunday.

Friends of Keyes as well as some of the building's occupants have claimed he was struck in an act of retaliation for a fight that occurred at a party Saturday night between Keyes and Branch's son. Police said Tuesday they could not confirm those allegations. "We are still investigating any ties Keyes may have had with members of Branch's family," Elgin Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Swoboda said.

Police found Keyes lying in the building's parking lot around 4:07 p.m., according to reports. He was taken to Sherman Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Branch was found a short distance from the scene, according to police.

A number of witnesses have claimed after Keyes was struck, occupants riding in at least two vehicles got out of the cars and beat Keyes with baseball bats before fleeing.

Swoboda said police had received similar reports, but could not confirm yet whether a second car was involved or whether they expected more arrests in the case.

"At this point, the investigation is still ongoing as to any other people who may or may not be charged," he said.

Swoboda said the incident did not appear to be gang-related, but stressed that investigators were continuing to look into possible motives.

Branch remained in custody at the Elgin Police Department Tuesday evening, and is scheduled to appear at a bond hearing this morning in St. Charles.

If convicted, Branch would face a term between 20 and 60 years in prison.

Police have asked anyone with information regarding the case to call 847-695-4195.