Judge Denies Bail for Boat Operator Charged with Reckless Homicide After Fatal Crash on Fox River
A McHenry County judge ordered the detention of a 45-year-old executive accused of operating a boat at high speed while intoxicated, causing a collision that killed a woman on the Fox River.
A McHenry County judge on Monday denied bail for Richard M. Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, after a court petition argued he poses a danger to the community. Stevenson faces one count of reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, and two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death, a Class 2 felony, stemming from a Saturday crash on the Fox River near the McHenry Dam.
According to the criminal complaint, Stevenson was operating a 31-foot South Bay boat at approximately 80 mph in a no-wake zone when it struck a smaller 1997 Crowline vessel. A witness said the boat entered the zone at “full throttle.” The impact decapitated a female passenger, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her remains have not yet been recovered. Two other occupants were taken to a local hospital, and a dog on one of the boats survived.
Fire crews, the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Police responded to the scene. The river was temporarily closed and later reopened around 6:30 p.m. after recovery operations.
Toxicology results showed Stevenson’s blood-alcohol concentration at 0.236, nearly three times the legal limit. He refused a voluntary chemical test, resulting in an automatic suspension of his driver’s license. Stevenson was arrested, transported to the county jail, and later taken to Northwestern Medicine Hospital for treatment before being re-detained.
Prosecutors sought Stevenson’s pre-trial detention, arguing his alleged conduct and prior DUI convictions in DuPage County presented a real and present danger. Judge Cynthia Lamb granted the request, finding no conditions could mitigate the perceived threat. Stevenson’s attorney had requested release on pre-trial conditions.
Investigators continue to seek witnesses, photographs, and video of the collision. The Illinois Conservation Police are leading the inquiry and have asked the public to submit any relevant material.
Stevenson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on August 5.