Son won't face charges in father's death

A Prairie Grove man will not face charges alleging he pushed his father down a flight of 20 stairs during an altercation in the family home, causing him to suffer fatal brain injury, McHenry County authorities announced Wednesday.

The decision ends a nearly two-month inquiry into the June 8 fall that killed Frank Glusic, 56. Christopher Glusic, 21, had faced possible first-degree murder charges.

The McHenry County State's Attorney's office said it opted against charging the younger Glusic after both an autopsy and lengthy investigation into the incident were unable to determine whether the fall was an accident or the result of an intentional act.

"It's undetermined whether he fell or was pushed," said Nichole Owens, criminal chief for the McHenry County State's Attorney. "We need to be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to bring charges."

Christopher Glusic, Owens said, spoke with investigators and denied pushing his father. There were no other witnesses to what caused Frank Glusic to fall down the flight of stairs leading to his basement.

Although police have released few details about the incident, indications are that Frank Glusic was trying to prevent his son from leaving the family home the night of June 8 when there was a physical confrontation that ended with the elder Glusic tumbling down the stairs.

Prairie Grove police initially charged the younger Glusic with aggravated domestic battery, alleging he intentionally pushed his father, causing the fall. But county prosecutors dismissed that charge two days later, saying they wanted a full investigation before deciding how to proceed.

Just days later, Christopher Glusic's mother obtained an order of protection against him, citing violent episodes in the past in which, she said, her son threatened his parents with a weapon, punched and kicked his mother, and struck a younger sibling with a soda can.

Christopher Glusic still faces a pair of charges stemming from the incident, including a felony resisting a peace officer allegation claiming he struggled with police responding to the incident, causing an officer to fall and suffer a minor injury. He also is charged with misdemeanor domestic battery, stemming from an earlier confrontation with his father that night.

He pleaded not guilty to both charges during a court appearance Tuesday and asked for a jury trial.