Wheaton Man Charged in 2009 Fatal Crash

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin charged Kevin McCartney of Wheaton with leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death.

According to the prosecution, McCartney, 21, attended a party Oct. 5, 2009 with Gregory Hoctor. According to Berlin’s office, McCartney and Hoctor, 18, left the party in McCartney's vehicle. However, McCartney allegedly returned to the party alone and claimed that Hoctor stole his car. Wheaton Police found McCartney's vehicle crashed into a tree on Durfee Road in Wheaton with Hoctor still inside. Hoctor later died from injuries sustained in the accident.

An investigation into the  crash  and McCartney's claims that Hoctor stole his vehicle yielded allegations that McCartney had been with Hoctor at the time of
the crash but left the scene leaving without notifying authorities.

McCartney was charged with one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death, a Class 1 Felony. He faces a penalty ranging from probation to between four and 15 years in prison.

On Wednesday McCartney appeared in court and a bond of $350,000 was set. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23 in front of Judge Blanche Fawell for arraignment.

“The allegations against Mr. McCartney are just unthinkable,” Berlin said in a released statement. “He was allegedly involved in a crash with Mr. Hoctor and instead of helping his friend, he allegedly returned to the party leaving his friend at the scene of the crash to die.”