Wauconda man gets probation in crash that killed Lake Zurich woman
Ruling that "extraordinary circumstances" existed, a Lake County judge on Thursday sentenced a Wauconda man to three years' probation for being under the influence of drugs when the car he was driving struck and killed a 22-year-old Lake Zurich woman.
Brandon A. Stang, 23, of the 400 block of North Main Street, also was sentenced to 18 months of periodic imprisonment by Judge James Booras. Stang could serve the time on electronic home monitoring if he meets all the required conditions of the program.
While on probation, he must perform 200 hours of community service and maintain full-time employment, and he cannot use or be in the presence of others using alcohol or illegal drugs.
"Let's face it, the tragic facts of that fateful day cannot be changed by any sentence imposed by this court," Booras said. "I understand the hurt and sadness on either side."
Stang was facing up to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty March 10 to driving under the influence resulting in death.
Authorities said Stang had smoked marijuana May 5, two hours before getting behind the wheel of a 2008 Ford Mustang and striking Stephanie V. Kostenko along Route 12 in Volo. Kostenko, who authorities said was walking in the roadway, died from the multiple injuries suffered in the crash.
Stang attorney Greg Nikitas noted in court Thursday that Kostenko was wearing dark clothing while crossing Route 12 in a dark area. Any reasonable driver would not "expect a pedestrian on that roadway at that time of night," he said.
Attorneys stipulated at the start of the sentencing hearing that Kostenko had a blood alcohol level of .125 at the time of the crash.
After the collision, Nikitas said, Stang stayed at the scene, called 911, tried to help Kostenko, and assisted police with their investigation.
Stang apologized to Kostenko's family in a brief courtroom statement Thursday.
"This tragedy is a darkness I will have to live with for the rest of my life," he said.
Kostenko's mother, Iriana Zagalsky, said her daughter had received an associate degree in science from Harper College shortly before her death and was preparing to leave Illinois to obtain her bachelor's degree at a university in Florida.
"She was always full of life and energy and loved to help herself and others," Zagalsky said. "I was looking forward to seeing our bond grow every year."
Assistant State's Attorney Dan Brown asked that Stang be sentenced to five years in prison, but Illinois law says a defendant can be sentenced to probation should the judge determine extraordinary circumstances exist.