Cops: Daughter Of Race Track Trainer Killed By Drunk Boyfriend
CHICAGO (CBS) - Tragedy struck at a south suburban horse racing track--the daughter of a popular trainer was killed in a drunk driving accident, and police say her boyfriend is the person responsible.
Michelle Eustis was killed Monday when a pickup truck driven by her boyfriend hit her after she had taken a horse out for a ride.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker talked with the victim's father about what happened.
Charles Eustis lost the daughter who shared his love for horses, and who was following in his footsteps as a well-respected trainer.
"We started taking her to the park when she was three years old. She just loved the horses," Eustis said.
Michelle Eustis was at her father's side when he trained many of his prized thoroughbreds at Balmoral Park, including St. Elmo Hero, who has won twenty-five consecutive races.
"She knew when a horse was hurting or ailing. She'd patch them up. She could do it all," Eustis added.
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Michelle was killed early Monday morning on the backstretch road at the park. Authorities said she, a girlfriend, and her boyfriend, Angus Lake, were drinking at a barn. Around 4:30 a.m. Michelle and the friend left to take a bareback ride on the same horse. A half-hour later, Lake went to look for them in his pick-up truck.
At his bond hearing Tuesday afternoon, authorities said Lake was drunk, speeding along the dark road, lost control, and hit the horse, causing Michelle to fatally strike her head.
"You gotta put the blame somewhere, but I don't blame anybody. My daughter's gone and I can't replace her," Eustis said.
The other girl on the horse broke her leg and still in the hospital. Authorities said Lake's blood alcohol level was almost twice the legal limit. He's been charged with four counts of aggravated DUI.
