Driver Who Fatally Hit Downers Grove Student Pleads Guilty

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A Naperville man has pleaded guilty in the fatal crash that claimed the life of Downers Grove North junior Beth Dunlap, 17, in February 2019. Joseph Kucharski, 52, pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated DUI and reckless homicide in connection with the Feb. 19 crash, which took place just outside of Downers Grove North High School.

Kucharski now faces a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

According to authorities, Dunlap had the "walk" signal and was in a pedestrian crosswalk on Main Street when she was struck by Kucharski's car just before 11 a.m. Dunlap was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead on Feb. 22.

Police determined that Kucharski was driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Main Street and entered the intersection on a red light at the time of the crash. His BAC registered at .031 and police say he showed apparent signs of impairment.

After an investigation, it was found that Kucharski also had Xanax and cocaine in his system when he hit Dunlap. Police searched his vehicle and found Xanax, suboxone and Benadryl. A search of Kucharski's hotel uncovered two crack pipes, crack cocaine, vodka, beer and other drugs.

A $5 million warrant was issued for Kucharski's arrest, and he was held on $750,000 bond after being taken into custody. He later posted the necessary $75,000 to be released.

In a statement after Kucharski's plea, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "This morning, Mr. Kucharski appeared before the Court where he took responsibility for the death of Beth Dunlap. While today’s plea does nothing to ease the pain Beth’s family, friends and the entire community have endured since February 19 and will most likely feel their entire lives, it is the first step in holding Mr. Kucharski responsible for his incredibly reckless and irresponsible actions."

In the wake of Dunlap's death, there was an outpouring of sympathy from students and residents throughout Downers Grove in memory of the spunky volleyball player. Inspired by Dunlap's jersey number, 18, community members performed 18 pushups, 18 additional reps at the gym, or 18 acts of kindness under the hashtag #BethStrong. Dulap's family started a fund in her honor to help underprivileged volleyball players.

Kucharski will appear in court on March 6 for sentencing. He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.

Read more on Patch:

Downers Grove Student Hit By Car Remembered As 'Strong Person'

Reckless Homicide Charges For Man In Death Of Downers Grove Girl

Man Charged In Beth Dunlap's Death Contacted Her Family: Report

Beth Dunlap Case: Judge Denies Request To Change Bond Amount