Outrage Over Fundraiser for Accused Cop Frugoli

Chicago - Two mothers are furious about a fundraiser for a Chicago Police detective. They spoke exclusively FOX Chicago News, starting their stories with the day their sons died.

"When I first got the news, it was like the worst day of my life. My whole life was shattered," Maria Velez said.

Lorena Buenrstro said, "He was such a good son, a very good brother; taking care of his sister, taking care of me."

For six months, out of respect for their dead sons, Velez and Buenrstro have declined to talk to reporters.

Velez's son, 21-year-old Fausto Manzera, and Buenrstro's son, 23-year-old Andrew Cazares, were both killed in a fiery crash on the Dan Ryan last April. A crash that prosecutors blamed on Chicago Police Det. Joseph Frugoli, who, while off duty, was allegedly drunk behind the wheel.

The victims' mothers are speaking out after learning about a benefit scheduled this Friday night at the Fraternal Order of Police Hall --a fundraiser for Det. Frugoli.

Velez asked, "How do you support someone who makes such a poor judgment? How do you support a drunk motorist?”

When asked if the benefit should be cancelled, Buenrstro said, "Yes, Yes."

Prosecutors said Frugoli ran into the men's car, which was stopped in a lane on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

The detective's blood alcohol level was allegedly three times the legal limit.

He is charged with reckless homicide, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident. None of which is mentioned on the FOP's web site , which displayed this advertisement for the benefit, alongside ads for bowling events, anniversary cruises and retirement parties.

"It just made me more infuriated,” said Velez, "because how do you support this? Are we forgetting what brought this man to this situation?"

Police union president Mark Donahue said the FOP is merely allowing its members to use the hall, which they're permitted to do.

Frugoli's attorney said the benefit will help Frugoli pay for living expenses, legal fees and for defense experts.

Frugoli has been relieved of his police duties and is no longer getting paid.

But the victim's families said donating funds to Det. Frugoli shows disrespect for their late sons.

"He chose to get behind the wheel of his vehicle, intoxicated, with no thought of what could happen," Velez said, "with no regard to life itself.”

It was another detective, a cousin of Frugoli's, who came up with the idea for the benefit. He said the benefit will also help pay for Frugoli's medical expenses incurred after the accident. And he added that Frugoli's friends and relatives feel terribly about the loss of lives, and the victims and the victim's families are in their prayers.