On December 4, 2019, two women, both teachers at St. Michael School in Orland Park, were struck in a hit-and-run crash while leaving a staff holiday party. Margaret “Rone” Leja was killed, and Elizabeth Kosteck was injured.
Two days later, police arrested the Rev. Paul Burak, a retired priest, and he was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the fatal crash.
Burak told police that he takes medication for his Parkinson’s and blacked out after having a Manhattan and a glass of wine at the party, prosecutors said at his bail hearing.
Prosecutors said Burak was asked if he was ok to drive before leaving the Dec. 4 holiday party, and he asserted that he was fine.
DUI charges against the 73-year-old were dropped Jan. 14, according to court records. The retired priest pleaded not guilty to the remaining counts of causing and leaving the scene of a deadly accident.
