Elburn murder suspect's drug problems escalated after parents' divorce
A 30-year-old Elburn man accused of murdering his father in February showed worsening problems alcohol and drugs after his parents began divorce proceedings in 2011, Kane County court records show.
Daniel M. Rak was arrested Friday at his late father's home on the 13N0-99 block of Engel Road and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery.
Prosecutors say the body of Jeffrey Rak, 58, was found Feb. 14 at his home. Authorities believe the elder Rak died of blunt head trauma between Feb. 11 and when first responders arrived.
Prosecutors called Jeffrey Rak's death "the most tragic result of domestic violence," but according to Kane County court records, Daniel Rak had not have any charges of domestic battery against him before his father's death.
But the younger Rak did have problems with drugs and alcohol. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in March 2009 in St. Charles, records show. The DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving and the drug charges dropped in a guilty plea that required Rak to perform 200 hours of community service, pay $1,535 in fines and court costs, undergo alcohol treatment and complete a year of conditional discharge, which is a form of probation.
In July 2011, prosecutors moved to revoke his probation and he spent three days in jail, records show.
Rak also was charged in March 2012 in Gilberts with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, records show. He was sentenced to 18 months of conditional discharge, ordered to attend a victim impact panel, and charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana also were dismissed, records show.
Daniel Rak is being held at the Kane County jail on $950,000 bail.
He is next due in court on Friday and faces 20 to 60 years in prison if convicted.