Man confesses to fatal 2008 hit-and-run

JOLIET — A suburban Chicago man is being held in lieu of $1 million for the 2008 hit-and-run death of a 20-year-old woman.

David McCarthy allegedly showed up at the home of the sister of Melissa Lech on Sunday and confessed he was driving the car that struck the woman.

Will County prosecutors say the 27-year-old McCarthy told Michelle Lech he stopped after striking her sister, but drove off after others arrived at the scene in Joliet, even though he knew the woman was seriously hurt.

Although he allegedly confessed to Michelle Lech, he said he wasn’t going to police. However, the Lechs got his license plate number and police later arrested McCarthy at his Naperville home.

Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Fillipitch says McCarthy told authorities he came forward to unburden himself.