Man Sentenced To 7 Years In Crash That Killed Downers Grove Teen

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A Naperville man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the February 2019 crash that killed Beth Dunlap, 17, of Downers Grove. The state had requested the maximum sentence of 14 years.

Joseph Kucharski, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated DUI causing death and one count of reckless homicide on Jan. 9, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's office.

Kucharski had a blood alcohol content of .031 and had Xanax and cocaine in his system when his car struck and killed Dunlap while she was in the crosswalk outside of Downers Grove North High School on Feb. 19, 2019. An investigation found that Kucharski ran a red light and that Dunlap had the "walk" signal when she was crossing the street.

During the investigation, police found two crack pipes, crack cocaine, vodka, beer and "other drugs" in Kucharski's hotel room. They also found Suboxone, Xanax and Benadryl in his car.

Dunlap was pronounced dead on Feb. 22, 2019.

Kucharski was taken into custody Feb. 26, 2019. He posted $75,000 bail and was released on May 15.

After the sentence was handed down, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said the case deserved the maximum sentence and vowed to introduce legislation "in Beth’s honor that will further protect our children when going to and leaving school."

Berlin said in a statement, "This senseless loss of such a young, promising life also deeply wounded the entire community, hitting the students and staff at Downers Grove North High School, where Beth was a standout member of the student body, particularly hard. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and suffering Beth’s family and friends have endured since her passing – a pain they will undoubtedly carry with them for the rest of their lives. It is my sincerest hope that those who loved Beth will someday be able to remember her not only with a heavy heart and a tear in their eye but with a smile on their face. While I respect the judge’s decision, this case warranted the maximum punishment of fourteen years. This tragic case also exposed what I believe to be inadequate sentencing parameters available to the Court that do not equate the loss with the punishment. Just as those working in construction zones rightfully enjoy enhanced penalties the law provides, I believe our children deserve similar, if not stronger, protections and that is why I will be introducing legislation in Beth’s honor that will further protect our children when going to and leaving school."

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