Round Lake man charged in Fox Lake crash that killed passenger

A 23-year-old Round Lake man faces felony charges in connection with an alcohol-related crash in downtown Fox Lake that killed a passenger in his vehicle, police said.

Anthony Cechini, of the 200 block of Havenwood Drive, was charged with aggravated DUI involving death and aggravated DUI involving great bodily harm following the crash in the 100 block of Nippersink Drive, near the village’s Lakefront Park, Fox Lake Police Lt. Mark Schindler said. The crash occurred about 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cechini, on crutches and with a broken wrist, appeared in bond court early Monday. He was ordered held in lieu of $500,000 bond, of which he must post 10 percent in order to be released on bail.

He is due back in court on Oct. 4 for a preliminary hearing.

Cechini was behind the wheel and driving west on Nippersink in a 2004 Subaru when it veered off the road and into a tree, Schindler said.

A front-seat passenger, David J. Letchinger, Jr., 21, of McHenry was extricated from the crushed vehicle following the crash and airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Schindler said.

He later died at Condell due to severe head trauma, Schindler said.

Cechini initially fled the scene following the crash, but was captured soon after, Schindler said. In bond court, it was stated that Cechini tried to walk away from the crash but was taken into custody almost immediately.

Cechini was officially charged after being released from the hospital Sunday, authorities said.

A second unnamed passenger of the vehicle remains in Condell with injuries to his wrist, arm and leg, authorities said.