Trial delayed for Cuba Township man charged in fatal DUI-related crash
A trial was continued for a Cuba Township man accused of being behind the wheel in a DUI-related crash that killed an Arizona woman.
The trial for Kenneth K. Malanowski, 41, was delayed to Aug. 13 by Judge Mark Levitt Wednesday so attorneys could hold a hearing on a motion to suppress evidence.
In addition, Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Michael Ori said in court a plea deal was tendered to Malanowski. Defense attorney Stephen Simonian did not say whether Malanowski would accept the plea deal. Terms of the deal were not released.
Malanowski, of the 28600 block of West Roberts Road, remains free from jail after posting $20,000 bond. He is required to wear an electronic Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring device, which monitors alcohol consumption.
Malanowski has pleaded not guilty to several charges including aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death, reckless homicide and failure to report an accident resulting in death because of his role in the Nov. 26 crash that killed Stephanie Dokken, 26, of Youngstown, Arizona.
If found guilty Malanowski could receive up to 14 years for the aggravated DUI, and a consecutive sentence of 15 years for failure to report an accident resulting in death.
Police said Malanowski was driving a 2007 Volvo north on Route 59 near Grass Lake Road in Antioch Township when he rear-ended the vehicle driven by Dokken. Both vehicles left the road and hit trees, authorities said.
Dokken was pronounced dead at the scene. A later autopsy showed she died due to multiple traumatic injuries.
Malanowski fled the scene of the crash, and officers tracked him down at his former residence using a police dog, authorities said. He was arrested Dec. 21 after police received the results of a toxicology screening.
Malanowski is next due in court June 21.