Court Watch: Woman Killed in DUI Accident on Witness List

Leading the Docket

TINLEY PARK — As pretrial hearings begin, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a list of 52 witnesses whose testimony could be used against Nicholas J. Gorny, who has pleaded not guilty to his involvement in a DUI accident in August that killed a 70-year-old Tinley Park woman. She reportedly died of injuries related to the accident on Sept. 27 — but has been included on a list of possible witnesses, alongside area doctors, police officers, firefighters and one of Gorny's relatives. 

Gorny posted bond earlier this month after a judge reduced bail from $250,000 to $150,000. He’s scheduled back in court on Jan. 11, 2012.

Cook County

OAK LAWN — Contrary to court testimony last month, prosecutors were still gathering evidence as of Tuesday against Michael T. Kelly, a former Village of Oak Lawn employee who has been . His attorney, former Oak Lawn Trustee Edward Barron, said he recently received new reports from prosecutors that need review before the case can progress. Both parties are scheduled back in court on Feb. 7, 2012, for another pretrial hearing.

ORLAND PARK — Fifteen months after , prosecutors continue to gather evidence and wait on criminal reports. Some lab work and a DVD were exchanged Tuesday, though details of the case against Allan Kustok—Jeanie’s husband—have been kept . The next pretrial hearing is set for Jan. 23, 2012.

Will County

NEW LENOX — Rodney Julun was considerably quiet in court on Monday, though his roaming, wide eyes appeared to have lost none of their urgency. The 22 year old has been accused of murdering a New Lenox Township man and stealing his property over the course of several days—with accomplices—while the body decayed. During a pretrial hearing in November, Julun admonished the court for not setting an immediate trial date, telling Judge Daniel J. Rozak, against the advice of his attorney, “I know I can prove my innocence.” Rozak told him to be patient and have more faith in his experienced attorney. On Monday, public defender Michael Renzi said some evidence remained outstanding and requested another pretrial hearing date of Jan. 25, 2012.

On the Docket Next Week

TUESDAY

A judge is slated to rule whether the Cook County Sheriff's Police had probable cause to search and raid a Tinley Park animal sanctuary in February.

WEDNESDAY

Marcus Parker, an Evergreen Park resident charged , is due back in court for possible arraignment.

THURSDAY

Four men accused of beating, stabbing and robbing a Palos Township couple continue pretrial hearings before a new judge.

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