Margaret “Rone” Leja (left) and Elizabeth Kosteck

Archdiocese of Chicago

St. Michael School hit-and-run crash: Two teachers at Orland Park school hit after leaving holiday party

In early December 2019, two teachers at an Orland Park school were struck in a hit-and-run crash while leaving a staff holiday party. One was killed; another was inured. A retired priest was later charged with a DUI and leaving the scene.

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.

5 Total Updates Since
December 05, 2019 08:47 AM