In the News

CBS2 News, July 16, 2007

Jury selection is underway for a Deerfield couple accused of allowing underage drinking on the night of a fatal wreck that killed two teenagers.

Jeffrey and Sara Hutsell are accused of letting their son throw a party with alcohol after Deerfield High School’s Homecoming game.

CBS 2’s Kristyn Hartman spoke with the Lake County prosecutor handling the case but she declined a camera interview because she did not want to taint the jury pool.

Jury selection was set to begin Monday morning in the Hutsell case.

The Hutsells are charged in connection to a party at their house that allowed alleged underage drinking.

Eighteen-year-olds Danny Bell and Ross Trace died after the October 2006 party when the car Bell was driving hit a tree.

Prosecutors say his blood alcohol level was well in excess of the legal limit and that he drank at the Hutsell’s home.

Prosecutors have also contended that the parents were present when their son threw the party and they allowed the kids to drink.

The Hutsells have entered not-guilty pleas.

We met one concerned mom who was following the case. She supports a coalition that looks into underage drinking in Lake County. She talked generally about the problem.

“We think that parents should be better educated. It is your job as a parent to be vigilant watching them,” said Vicki Ettelson.

There is a bill awaiting the Governor’s signature proposed by State Senator Susan Garrett that if it became law could make a misdemeanor case such as this one a felony.

Kristyn tried to reach the Hutsell’s attorney and friends standing near the courthouse, but they declined comment.

No word on how long the jury selection process will take.