New video released in deadly Fox River boat crash investigation
MCHENRY COUNTY, Ill. - Illinois officials are asking the public to take another look at a newly released video as investigators work to piece together what happened before a deadly boating crash on the Fox River.
The video, recorded by a bystander around 11 a.m. on July 25 on Petite Lake, shows a small white boat passed by the speeding boat roughly 11 seconds into the clip and several people investigators want to identify. Police said the white boat and its occupants are not believed to have been involved in the fatal crash but officials believe they may have witnessed activity or have information that could help with the case.
What you can do:
Anyone who recognizes the white boat or the people aboard it or who has information about the crash, is being asked to contact Illinois Conservation Police through the agency's online tip portal.
Tap to watch the new video below.
The backstory:
The video comes as prosecutors have upgraded charges against 45-year-old Richard Stevenson of Lisle in connection with the crash, which killed 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska.
Stevenson has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated DUI causing death and one count of reckless homicide. He remains in the McHenry County Jail after a judge denied him pretrial release last month.
Prosecutors allege Stevenson was driving a 31-foot SouthBay pontoon at more than 75 mph while intoxicated in a no-wake zone when it slammed into the back of a 20-foot Crownline carrying Jablonska and her fiancé, Alan Telmini.
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Lisle man accused in deadly Fox River boat crash pleads not guilty
Richard Stevenson pleaded not guilty Friday morning after the Fox River boat crash that killed Magdalena Jablonska last month.
The pontoon was powered by three 500-horsepower outboard motors, and prosecutors said Stevenson's blood alcohol concentration was about 0.20 at the time of the crash.
Jablonska was killed in the collision.
Her family has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stevenson. The lawsuit alleges he was speeding and operating the pontoon with its bow raised high enough to limit his visibility before striking the couple's boat.
The impact allegedly caused the pontoon to ride over the stern of the Crownline and become airborne. The lawsuit also says Telmini was physically injured and suffered severe emotional distress and PTSD after witnessing Jablonska's death.
During a previous detention hearing, prosecutors pointed to Stevenson's criminal history, saying he had previously been charged with DUI three times, reckless driving three times and four misdemeanor speeding offenses. Court testimony also detailed prior convictions involving fleeing police and driving with a revoked license.
Assistant State's Attorney Brian Miller called Stevenson a "ticking time-bomb" during the July 27 hearing, saying that danger culminated in the crash.
Chicago-area man accused in deadly boat crash pleads not guilty
Richard Stevenson pleaded not guilty Friday morning after the Fox River boat crash that killed Magdalena Jablonska last month.
Telmini previously described hearing loud engines before looking toward the approaching boat.
"I looked to the left ... and then she was gone," he said.
Jablonska's younger sister also spoke about the loss, describing her sister as someone who helped raise her and served as a second mother to members of the family.
"This didn't have to happen," she said.
What's next:
Stevenson is due back in court Sept. 23.
The Source: The information in this report came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, McHenry County court documents, the family of Magdalena Jablonska and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.