McHenry woman arrested months after fatal hit-and-run incident released from jail

MCHENRY COUNTY — After nearly four months of investigation efforts, local authorities have arrested a woman suspected of a hit-and-run that killed 24-year-old Island Lake resident Austin Stanek back in September. The arrest brings a long-awaited sense of relief and justice to the victim and the community.

Police identified the suspect as 50-year-old Christine S. Eilers (Pine) of McHenry. After warrants were obtained for her arrest, Eilers was taken into custody on Jan. 6 without incident. She was transported to the McHenry County jail in Woodstock. However, McHenry County Court records indicate that she was released from custody on Jan. 7 after no probable cause to detain Eilers was found.

The hit-and-run occurred on Sept. 27, 2024, at approximately 10:48 p.m. Members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Island Lake Police Department, and Wauconda Fire Protection District responded to a crash in the 4300 block of Roberts Road involving a pedestrian and one vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop after the crash.

Authorities later identified the pedestrian at Stanek, who was transported to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington where he was pronounced deceased.

“If you knew him, you know. Thank you to those who have supported us already in so many ways. Our pain is unbelievable but our family, friends, and community make up an army of support circling us daily,” said Stanek’s mother, Carrie, in a Facebook statement.

Investigators from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, worked tirelessly to collect evidence that ultimately identified Eilers as the suspect who left the scene of the fatal crash. Various types of evidence were collected, including the involved vehicle, which was found in a garage in Lakemoor.

Eilers is being charged with one Class 4 felony of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and one Class 1 felony of failure to comply/report a crash involving a death. Her next court appearance is set to take place on Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. in Room 204 of the McHenry County Courthouse.

As a result of Stanek’s death, his parents dedicated a GoFundMe campaign to set up a scholarship in memory of their son, which they lovingly named, “Be Like Austin Scholarship.” The scholarship will be used to support young adults who pursue a career in the trades or as a first responder.

“Austin had a knack for bringing others together, whether they were teammates or just friends hanging out. His easygoing nature made everyone feel welcome, and it was impossible to be around him without feeling his positive energy,” stated Stanek’s parents in the GoFundMe campaign.

As of Jan. 8, Stanek’s GoFundMe has surpassed its initial $25,000 goal and has managed to raise over $41,000.

While the legal battle against Eilers remains ongoing, the Stanek family continues their work to honor Austin’s memory. Those interested in donating to the Be Like Austin Scholarship can do so by visiting gofund.me/75ae274a.