David Koschman died from a single punch thrown during a drunken argument in the early morning hours of April 25, 2004. Here's the timeline of what happened leading up to the incident and the events following Koschman's death.
2004:
- April 24: David Koschman and four friends head to Chicago’s Division Street bars for a night of partying.
- April 25: In the early morning hours an argument ensues between the Koschman group and a group of four which include R.J. Vanecko, Bridget and Kevin McCarthy and Craig Denham.
- Later that morning Nanci Koschman receives a call that her son is in the intensive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
- May 6: David Koschman dies at Northwestern Hospital.
- May 20: Police conduct a lineup with R.J. Vanecko at the Belmont and Western Police station. No positive ID is made, according to police.
2011:
- Jan. 4: Sun-Times reporter Tim Novak requests the Chicago police reports from the Koschman investigation through the Freedom of Information Act.
- Jan. 18: Chicago police release a heavily redacted report stating the Koschman case remained an open investigation.
- Feb. 28: The Chicago Sun-Times publishes its first piece on David Koschman. NBC5 News reports its first piece on Koschman, including the first interview with Nanci Koschman.
- March 1: Chicago police “close” the Koschman case stating that R.J. Vanecko threw the punch that killed David Koschman, but he did so in self-defense.
- March 24: Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, in her first comments on the case, says no favoritism was given to Vanecko; that Koschman initiated the fight; and said her office could not find a single report or case file relating to the Koschman investigation.
- Dec. 15: Attorney’s representing Nanci Koschman call for a Special Prosecutor. Those calling for the Special Prosecutor were Locke Bowman of the MacArthur Justice Foundation, Flint Taylor of the People’s Law Office and Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association.
2012
- March 29: A hearing is held at the Criminal Courts building on the motion to appoint a Special Prosecutor.
- April 23: Judge Michael Toomin appoints Dan Webb as Special Prosecutor.
- Dec. 3: Vanecko is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in Koschman's death.
2013
- Jan. 21: Members of former Mayor Richard M. Daley's police detail were reportedly being questioned in the investigation of the involuntary manslaughter case against his nephew.
- Jan. 31: Special Prosecutor Dan Webb informs Cook County Board that the work of attorneys and staff looking into Koschman's death would be done on a pro bono basis.
- Sept. 19: Special Prosecutor Dan Webb releases report indicating there would be no new indictments in the case. His report was sealed.
- Sept. 24: Judge Maureen McIntyre sets Feb. 18 as the start date for Richard Vanecko's trial.
- Oct. 10: NBC Chicago and The Chicago Sun-Times file a motion to unseal the grand jury report regarding the death of David Koschman.
- Nov. 14: Judge Michael Toomin rules against NBC Chicago and The Chicago Sun-Times and orders the grand jury report regarding the death of David Koschman sealed under Richard Vanecko's trial.
2014
- Jan. 31: Vanecko reaches plea deal with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of involuntary manslaughter in exchange for 60 days in county jail, 60 days of home confinement with electronic monitoring, $20,000 in restitution and an apology. He also must spend the maximum 30 months on probation.
- Feb. 4: Special Prosecutor Dan Webb's report unsealed.
