Woman painting nails before fatal Illinois crash found guilty

Image via Wikipedia

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) - A Lake County jury has returned a guilty verdict against a motorist accused of reckless homicide for painting her nails while she struck and killed a 56-year-old motorcyclist.

Prosecutors said 48-year-old Lora L. Hunt of Morris was being criminally reckless as she drove at about 50 mph toward an intersection on May 2, 2009.

Anita Zaffke of Lake Zurich was stopped at a traffic signal when she was struck.

In closing arguments Thursday, defense attorney Jeff Tomczak said Hunt was doing a "stupid, stupid thing" painting her nails while driving. But he argued it was no different from eating a sandwich or talking on a cell phone - negligent, but not reckless.

Assistant State's Attorney Mike Mermel said Hunt "might as well have been in the back seat making a sandwich" when the accident occurred.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

~~

More from the Chicago Sun-Times, including photos