11
Deadly Boat Crash: Suspect’s Shocking History of DUIs Revealed
Man Accused of Deadly Boat Crash on Fox River Appears in Court
What Happened?
IMPORTANT POINT
A man named Richard Stevenson, 45, is accused of driving a boat very fast while drunk on the Fox River in McHenry, Illinois. He crashed into another boat, killing one person and hurting another. A judge said he must stay in jail while the case continues.
The Crash: Step by Step
- Saturday afternoon – Stevenson was driving a 30-foot pontoon boat on the Fox River.
- He had been drinking – Prosecutors say he took multiple shots of Fireball whiskey.
- He was going very fast – Witnesses and video show he was traveling at 80 miles per hour.
- He entered a no-wake zone – This is a special area where boats must go slowly for safety.
- He crashed – His pontoon hit the back of a green Crownline boat.
- One person died – A woman in the passenger seat of the Crownline was killed. Her husband was taken to the hospital.
- Stevenson’s boat stopped on the riverbank – A witness found him there.
What the Evidence Shows
- Security cameras from a home along the river recorded Stevenson’s boat going south, then turning around and heading north about an hour and 45 minutes later. About a minute after that, the family heard the crash.
- Another video taken at 12:40 p.m. (nearly two hours before the crash) shows the pontoon passing by while a child played on swings nearby.
- Blood test at the hospital showed Stevenson’s blood alcohol level was 0.20 — that’s 2.5 times the legal limit for driving (or boating) in Illinois.
- Two passengers were on Stevenson’s boat. Both left the scene but later talked to police. They said:
- Stevenson drank multiple shots of Fireball whiskey.
- He was going 80 miles per hour before the crash.
Stevenson’s Past Driving Record
Prosecutors told the judge about Stevenson’s history of dangerous driving:
| Time Period | Offenses |
|---|---|
| 1997–2005 | • 3 DUI arrests • 4 speeding tickets • 3 reckless driving charges • Fleeing and eluding police |
| 2023 | • Speeding 26–34 mph over the limit |
IMPORTANT POINT
Because of this history and the seriousness of the current charges, the judge ordered Stevenson to stay in jail until his next court date.
The Charges
Stevenson faces three felony charges:
- Reckless Homicide – Causing someone’s death by acting carelessly and dangerously.
- Aggravated Driving Under the Influence – Driving (or boating) drunk with extra-serious circumstances (like causing a death).
- A third felony charge (details not specified in the report).
What Happens Next?
- Next court date: August 5
- Stevenson will remain in jail until then.
- The case will continue, and more details may come out.
Summary
Richard Stevenson, 45, is accused of driving a pontoon boat at 80 mph while drunk (blood alcohol 0.20) on the Fox River. He crashed into another boat in a no-wake zone, killing a woman and injuring her husband. Video evidence and passenger statements support the prosecution’s case. Stevenson has a long history of DUIs and reckless driving. A judge ordered him held in jail. His next court appearance is August 5.
FAQ
1. What is a "no-wake zone"?
A no-wake zone is a marked area on a waterway where boats must travel at very slow speeds so they don’t create waves ("wakes") that could endanger other boats, swimmers, or shorelines.
2. What does a blood alcohol level of 0.20 mean?
It means 0.20% of the person’s blood is alcohol. In Illinois, the legal limit for operating a vehicle or boat is 0.08. So 0.20 is 2.5 times the legal limit — a very high level of impairment.
3. What is "aggravated DUI"?
Regular DUI means driving under the influence. "Aggravated" means there are extra-serious factors — like causing a crash that kills or seriously injures someone, having a very high blood alcohol level, or having prior DUIs.
4. Why did the judge order Stevenson to stay in jail?
Judges can order "pretrial detention" if they think the person is a danger to the community or might not show up for court. Stevenson’s history of multiple DUIs, reckless driving, and fleeing police — combined with the deadly crash — made the judge decide he should stay in custody.
5. What happens at the next court date on August 5?
This will likely be a status hearing where the judge checks on the case progress. Stevenson may enter a plea (guilty or not guilty), or the lawyers may discuss evidence, motions, or a possible trial date.
