A Joliet man is now facing criminal charges in connection with an October hit-and-run that killed an 89-year-old Skokie resident who was struck while trying to cross a Morton Grove street. Authorities say 22-year-old Jesus Guzman has been charged with felony reckless homicide and a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of drugs in the death of Boris Nudelman, marking the first major break in a case that rattled north suburban neighborhoods last fall.
Investigation and arrest
Morton Grove police said investigators ultimately linked the deadly crash to a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, then identified Guzman as the suspected driver after what they described as an extensive investigation. According to CBS Chicago, Guzman, of Joliet, was arrested Thursday and scheduled for his first court appearance Friday in Skokie. Police have charged him with felony reckless homicide and misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs in connection with the Oct. 17 collision.
Crash details and victim
The crash happened shortly after 6 a.m. on Oct. 17, when Nudelman was hit while crossing Dempster Street near Oak Park Avenue. He was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. ABC7 Chicago reported Nudelman’s identity and the early timeline of the incident, while the original October report coverage detailed the initial response at the scene. At the time, authorities said the Jetta’s driver was cooperating with investigators while Morton Grove police processed the area.
Legal implications
Reckless homicide is treated as a felony under Illinois law and is defined in the state’s criminal code. The statute classifies reckless homicide as a Class 3 felony and outlines possible sentencing ranges. When a case involves alleged impaired driving, it can trigger enhanced penalties or alternative aggravated charges under the vehicle code, according to the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
What’s next
Guzman’s case will move forward in Skokie court as prosecutors decide how to proceed with the charges, and Morton Grove police say the investigation is still active. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Morton Grove Police Department tip line, according to CBS Chicago and other local reporting.
