Woman who was painting nails while driving is convicted of reckless homicide

CHICAGO — An Illinois jury on Thursday convicted a woman who was painting her nails while driving when she struck and killed a motorcyclist at a red light.

Lora Hunt, of Morris, was found guilty of reckless homicide in the death of Anita Zaffke, 56, in Lake Zurich on May 2, 2009.

During his closing argument, Hunt's lawyer said she had admitted that painting her nails while driving was a "stupid, stupid thing."

But the lawyer, Jeff Tomczak, argued that it was no different from eating a sandwich, talking on a cellphone or tending to a baby. "She was negligent, not reckless," Tomczak said. "She can't be found guilty."

Assistant State's Attorney Mike Mermel insisted that Hunt had acted recklessly.

"It is not the same as biting a sandwich. ... it's a voluntary disablement," he said. "She might as well have been in the back seat making a sandwich."

Hunt could face from probation up to five years in prison when she is sentenced.