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Richard Stevenson faces reckless homicide charges after deadly boat crash on the Fox River

Richard Stevenson, a 45-year-old boater, faces charges of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide following a deadly boat crash on the Fox River in McHenry County. The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon when Stevenson's 31-foot pontoon boat struck another vessel from behind at 80 mph in a no-wake zone. The collision resulted in the decapitation of 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska, who was on the smaller boat. Prosecutors described Stevenson as a "ticking time bomb" due to his extensive history of DUI and reckless driving charges. Records show Stevenson had a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.200, which is more than double the Illinois legal limit. Witnesses reported that Stevenson continued to operate his vessel at high speeds despite being warned by a passenger. Following the crash, a judge ordered Stevenson to be held without release, citing a real and present threat to community safety. Stevenson was terminated from his position at the Stevenson Crane Company on Monday. He is scheduled to appear in court again on August 5.

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