Charges downgraded in one-punch death

A Crystal Lake man charged with killing another man with one punch in a 2007 fight may walk away with probation, his attorney said Wednesday.

Dustin Goy was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery in the death of Tony Carlsen outside a Crystal Lake bar. The punch, authorities say, knocked out 45-year-old Carlsen, whose head hit the pavement. He died of his injuries a week later.

Prosecutors on Wednesday dismissed the murder and aggravated battery charge and filed a new charge of involuntary manslaughter, which could result in probation and no prison time for 32-year-old Goy, according to Todd Cohen, Goy's attorney.

"It was a big day for Dustin," Cohen said. "It was definitely a positive development."

The McHenry County State's Attorney's office downgraded the charges after reviewing witness statements and consulting with police, a toxicologist and Carlsen's relatives, according to a news release.

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi declined to comment further on why his office dismissed the murder charge, saying, "My comment is in the press release."

Cohen said he did not cut a deal with prosecutors to get the charges against his client reduced.

"There wasn't really any negotiation," Cohen said. "This was their call."

In return for the reduced charge, Goy waived his right to a jury trial. That means that Goy's fate is now in the hands of McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather. Goy's trial, which could net him two to five years in prison, starts Monday.