Driver Had 8 Drugs In System When He Hit, Killed Man: Prosecutors

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Lake County jury has found a 41-year-old Ingleside man guilty of causing a crash that killed 53-year-old Michael Brennan in June 2021.

Brian J. King, 40, has been convicted on a felony charge of aggravated driving with any amount of drug in urine. The jury handed down the guilty verdict late Wednesday afternoon following a three-day trial.

During the trial, officers explained how chemical tests administered to King showed his urine contained methamphetamine as well as seven other controlled substances at the time of the June 11, 2021, crash, according to a news release from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.

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Witnesses told the jury how King's Chrysler 300 swerved several times over a 13-mile stretch on Route 12 and Route 59 in Ingleside before it swerved off Route 59 as it approached Stanton Point Road and hit Brennan, who was walking on grass and gravel next to the shoulder, according to the news release.

Brennan was taken to Condell Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead five days later.

Medical expert testimony during the trial explained how Brennan's injuries from the collision led to his death.

King's bond has been revoked as he awaits his sentencing, and he remains in custody at the Lake County Jail, prosecutors said. He is next expected in court on Sept. 13.