Richard Daley‘s nephew pleaded not guilty Monday morning to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2004 death of David Koschman.
The case was randomly assigned today to Judge Arthur Hill, a former prosecutor when Daley was state’s attorney.
When Vanecko appeared before the judge Monday, Hill noted he had also been appointed to the board of the Chicago Transit Authority by Daley when he was mayor. He also held the No. 2 post under State’s Attorney Dick Devine, who has strong ties to Daley.
Prosecutors say Richard Vanecko threw the punch that killed David Koschman outside a club on Division St.
The victim’s family is arguing, police and local prosecutors shielded Vanecko from a proper investigation because of his powerful uncle; Vanecko’s defense attorneys say the original investigation was conducted fully and fairly, and the facts didn’t warrant charges against their client.
If Vanecko is convicted he could get anything from probation to five years in prison.
