Alleged 'Nail Polish' Driver Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Crash

A Morris woman who authorities said was painting her fingernails when she fatally struck a motorcyclist last spring pleaded not guilty Thursday to six counts of reckless homicide, the Lake County News-Sun is reporting.

Lora Hunt, 48, of Morris was near the intersection of Route 12 and Old McHenry Road near Lake Zurich when she struck Anita Zaffke, 56, who was ahead of Hunt stopped for a traffic light. The impact threw Zaffke from her bike.

Zaffke, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the May 2 crash, died shortly after being taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Barrington.

In early June, Lake County prosecutors threw out the initial charge of failure to reduce speed so they could pursue the more serious charges of reckless homicide.

If convicted, Hunt faces up to five years in prison.

Dozens of Zaffke supporters crowded the Lake County Circuit courtroom wearing black nail polish and shirts that read "Black Nail Brigade." The Wauconda-based group was started by Zaffke's son, Greg, as a way to speak out against distracted and reckless driving.

"We hope that this case sets a precedent against distracted driving," Greg Zaffke said, adding that at the time of the accident, his mother was returning home after getting together with his fiancée about Mother's Day plans.

Although Hunt expressed great remorse about striking and killing the victim, Zaffke said there is no excuse for what she did.

"I don't think anyone would believe that picking up a bottle of nail polish while driving is safe," he said.

Hunt's attorney Jeff Tomczak said his client has been having a difficult time dealing with the aftermath of the accident.

"She has prayed for the victim and the victim's family," Tomczak said. "If someone is looking for Lora Hunt to be an evil person, she does not fit the bill."

Hunt is free on a $100,000 bond. Her trial is scheduled for Dec. 7.