Crime & Safety

Lake Zurich Fatal Crash Leads to 6-Year Sentence for Driver

Crash killed Lake Barrington woman in March, 2011.

 A Central Illinois man was sentenced to six years in jail, today, for driving under the influence of drugs and causing a crash in Lake Zurich that resulted in the death of a Lake Barrington woman, according to a news release from the Lake Zurich Police Department.

Thomas G. Murphy, 40, 208 E. Jackson Street Cullom, IL pled guilty in Lake County Court today, and was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for Aggravated Driving Under the Influence Causing a Death.

at approximately 2:50 p.m. in the area of Rte. 12 and Honey Lake Road. Lake Zurich Police responded and due to the severity of the crash the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (LC MCAT) was requested to assist in the investigation of the crash.  The traffic crash involved three vehicles and resulted in the death of Katharine Walker-Hoffmann, 56, 373 Mallard Point, Lake Barrington, IL. Two other individuals were transported to area hospitals for minor injuries.   

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 According to the News Sun, Murphy’s vehicle was traveling south on Route 12, when it left the roadway and struck a second vehicle and Walker-Hoffman, who was standing outside her vehicle at a nearby car wash. 

 On May 12, 2011 the investigation was presented to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Murphy for three counts of Reckless Homicide, four counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Aggravated Driving With An Amount of a Drug.

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After pleading guilty today, Murphy was remanded into the custody of the Lake County Sheriff upon sentencing.  He will be transferred to IDOC and must serve 85% of the sentence. 

"The Lake Zurich Police Department is committed to protecting the users of all Village roadways by fully investigating all traffic crashes and enforcing all traffic laws.  Motorist found to be under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested and held accountable for their actions," the Lake Zurich Police news release stated.

 The Lake County States Attorney Office and Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County (MCAT) assisted investigators of the Lake Zurich Police Department during the investigation.       


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