By Mark Gregory
Editorial Director
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com
The man suspected of striking and ultimately killing Downers Grove junior volleyball player Elizabeth Dunlap has been charged.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Shanon Gillette announced Tuesday that bond has been set for Joseph Kucharski, 51, of Naperville.
Kucharski appeared at a bond hearing Tuesday morning where Judge Liam Brennan set bond in the amount of $750,000 with 10 percent to apply.
Judge Robert Miller issued a $5 million arrest warrant for Kucharski following the crash, which took place on Feb. 19.
At approximately 10:55 a.m. the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a report of a person, later identified as Dunlap, struck by a vehicle in the intersection of Main and Grant Streets.
An investigation into the incident revealed that Dunlap was crossing Main Street within the marked crosswalk, in conjunction with the “walk” signal, when she was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Main Street.
It is alleged that the vehicle crossed into the oncoming lanes and entered the intersection at Grant Street on a red light and that Kucharski was the driver of the vehicle.
At the time of the crash, Kucharski allegedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.031 and exhibited signs of impairment when interviewed by police. It is further alleged that through the course of their investigation, authorities found two crack pipes, crack cocaine and other drugs at a hotel room in which Kucharski was staying. Dunlap suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead from her injuries on Friday, Feb. 22.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to Beth’s family and friends,” Berlin said. “They have suffered a devastating loss that no amount of time can heal. Their unimaginable heartbreak is shared by the staff and students at Downers Grove North High School as well as the entire community. The loss of such a wonderful young woman, who was full of life, will have a profound lasting effect on the lives of countless DuPage County residents. I would like to thank the Downers Grove Police Department as well as the Felony Investigative Assistance Team for their work in this tragic case. It is because of their efforts Mr. Kucharski will face the full force and effect of the law. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Kristin Johnston for her work in securing charges against Mr. Kucharski for the death of Beth Dunlap.”
Gillette echoed the statements.
“The Village of Downers Grove wishes to extend our sincerest condolences to the Dunlap family, to Beth’s fellow students, and to the staff at Downers Grove North High School,” Gillette said. “I would like to thank the first responders, investigators, and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office for their tireless efforts on behalf of the victim, her family, and the Downers Grove community.”
Kucharski is scheduled to be back in court March 15 for arraignment in front of Judge Brennan.
Kucharski has been charged with one count of Felony Aggravated DUI-Alcohol/Drugs Causing Death and one count of Felony Reckless Driving. He is eligible for up to three to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if found guilty.
Dunlap was a setter on the Trojan volleyball team that placed second in the state in Class 4A this season.
In the two games at state, she tallied 31 assists, including 11 in the state championship match.
A member of the 2018 Voyager Media All-Area team, Dunlap posted 979 assists, 276 digs, 65 kills, 29 blocks and 47 service aces for the Trojans.
“There are so many things to say about Beth and yet I’m at a loss given how tragic and unbelievable this is,” said DGN coach Mark Wasik. “I know that her passing is a reminder of how precious each of our kids are and a reminder of how blessed and privileged we as a coaching staff have been to be able to coach Beth and her teammates.
“She led us on a magical state run that made school history and now we as a community are grieving her passing all within three months time. She had an entire life ahead of her and it was taken by a senseless accident that was no fault of her own. Beth was a competitor, she was feisty, intelligent, fun-loving, stubborn, sincere, and had a beautiful spirit that will be remembered forever among all that knew her.”
Volleyball programs around the area, from JCA to Benet Academy to Marist have taken to Twitter to extend their sympathy to the family and Trojan program.
Coaches from her 1st Alliance Club Volleyball Team also had thoughts.
“Our team has been a close knit team from the first practice of the season. The girls do not just play the game because they love the sport, they play the game because the love their teammates just as much as they love the game. Beth will ALWAYS be apart of this team,” said Kate McGuire, Dulap’s coach. “We will hear her voice when we celebrate our wins and we will see her smile when we make big defensive plays. Her courage and fight over the last week is a true representation of the Beth’s competitiveness. 17 Black will fight hard to mirror that competitiveness through out the rest of the season in honor of Beth. She was taken from us too early but we will hold tightly to the memories we shared. Thank you Beth for giving your all while you could. I know you would be here, right beside me if you could but there are other plans for you. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Your team will always have your back.”
One of her former coaches Julie Heatherly said “Beth was a great role model for our young setters and athletes. She put in the extra time and reps from the time she was a little girl to be the best setter she could be. She was a leader at setters practice every Monday night and our young setters looked up to her.”
Beth Cox, another former coach said, “Beth was sassy, fun, spunky, feisty, and a fierce competitor. She hated to lose. Beth was a setter that led her team with phenomenal defense, a tough serve and sweet, soft setter hands. She was light on her feet, quick to the ball and made jump setting look easy. She was one heck of a player and will be missed on and off the court. 1st Alliance will continue to remember her spirit and drive and will fight for her in the incoming days and years. Her love for the game, her teammates, her family and her friends will never be forgotten.”
In her memory, Dunlap’s father has initiated the 18 for #18 mantra. He is asking everyone to do 18 good things or 18 acts of kindness in her memory. Dunlap wore jersey No. 18 for the Trojans.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.