New Charges for Fingernail-Painting Woman Accused of Killing Motorcyclist

Initial charges were dropped to avoid double-jeopardy

The distracted driver who ran a red light and killed a Lake Zurich motorcyclist in June was indicted Wednesday on a charge of reckless homicide.

Lora Hunt, 48, of Morris, previously told investigators she was painting her nails at the time of the May 2 crash.

She was charged with failure to reduce speed, but the charge was dropped to avoid potential double-jeopardy problems. She now faces a six-count indictment and up to five years in prison.

Hunt surrendered Thursday and was released on $10,000 bail. 

Lake County authorities said Hunt was traveling along Illinois Route 12 near Old McHenry Road, near Lake Zurich, when she struck Anita Zaffke, 56, at about 50 MPH, throwing Zaffke from her bike.

Zaffke was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but died shortly after being taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Barrington.

Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller said Zaffke suffered chest and abdominal injuries stemming from the collision.

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