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

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A former Naperville man who is charged with fatally striking Downers Grove North junior Beth Dunlap, 17, with his car violated the conditions of his bond by contacting her family, prosecutors allege. Joseph Kucharski, 51, had been out on bond after posting bail on May 15. Since then, he reportedly had a friend send text messages to Dunlap's family and missed a court appearance early Tuesday, Chicago Tribune reports.

Kucharski had been in custody in DuPage County Jail since late February after he was charged with hitting Dunlap as she crossed the street outside of Downers Grove North. Initial investigations indicated that Dunlap was in the pedestrian crosswalk when Kucharski drove into the intersection on Main Street and hit her, causing injuries that led to her death.

Police say Kucharski had alcohol and prescription drugs in his system at the time of the fatal crash.

Chicago Tribune reports that Judge Liam Brennan issued a bench warrant for Kucharski after he failed to appear at Tuesday's court date. Kucharski's attorneys told Brennan he was in inpatient treatment for substance abuse.

Prosecutors say Kucharski was "grief-stricken" and asked his friend to reach out to Dunlap's family via text, something he was prohibited from doing when he was released on bond, Chicago Tribune reports.

Kucharski is set to appear in court Friday, when prosecutors are expected to ask that his bail be raised to $5 million.

More via Chicago Tribune

Read more on Patch:

• Beth Dunlap Case: Judge Denies Request To Change Bond Amount
• Man Pleads Not Guilty In Death of Downers Grove Girl, 17
• Reckless Homicide Charges For Man In Death of Downers Grove Girl
• Downers Grove Student Hit By Car Remembered As 'Strong Person'