The inquest into the death of the Waukegan woman found frozen on a local hospital’s roof has been delayed, according to Lake County authorities.
The hearing into Chelsea Adolphus’s death had been scheduled for April 10, but has been delayed as investigators continue their work, Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said.
A new inquest date has not yet been set, he said.
Adolphus, 28, died on Jan. 23 at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan after she was found on the hospital’s roof. Authorities say she died from hypothermia and exposure.
She had checked into the hospital the day before for a medical issue, and it was not known immediately how long she was on the roof before someone saw her at around 8:45 a.m. that day. The coroner’s office said she was reported missing from her room almost seven hours before she was discovered.
Usually, the coroner’s office will conduct an inquest, during which a jury hears evidence and determines the manner and cause of death. However, the hospital filed a lawsuit against Coroner Jennifer Banek, alleging that she was pursuing a vendetta against Vista, where she previously worked as a nurse anesthetist. Banek has recused herself from the investigation.
Instead, the sheriff’s office will conduct the hearing. The hospital lawsuit against Banek is scheduled for a May 8 hearing.
Drug arrests
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said its special investigative group recently arrested two Chicago men who were allegedly selling illegal drugs throughout the county.
David Hernandez, 29, of the 6300 block of South Campbell Street, and Yastin S. Zaragoza-Barragan, 27, of the 8300 block of South Peoria Street, were charged after an investigation conducted in collaboration with the FBI’s Chicago office, police said.
The men were taken into custody on April 4 following a traffic stop on Interstate 94 near Lake Forest.
A police dog alerted for the presence of drugs in their vehicle, and a subsequent search turned up more than 2.2 kilograms of cocaine. Police also found a loaded firearm.
K-9 vest
K-9 Taz, who serves with the Zion Police Department, will be a little safer on the job thanks to a donation of protective gear.
The group Vested Interest in K9s will be providing a custom-sized, stab- and bullet-resistant vest for Taz, thanks to a donation to the charitable organization.
Vested Interest was founded in 2008 and has donated almost 6,000 vests to police dogs at departments across the country. The group accepts donations at its website, www.vik9s.org. A single vest can be purchased for a donation of $1,050.
Charity hoops
The Waukegan Police Department put the cuffs on Waukegan’s firefighters at the annual Juarez Cup charity basketball game earlier this month.
The WPD outscored the WFD, 53-42 in the 22nd edition of the game, which was held at Waukegan High School. Proceeds from the game support the Special Recreation Services of North Lake County and the Waukegan Booster Club.
Crossing closing
Zion authorities are alerting residents to a rail crossing closure on Shiloh Boulevard.
The Union Pacific Railroad will be doing repairs at the crossing beginning at 9 a.m. on April 14. The repairs are expected to be completed by April 22. Motorists should use 27th Street as the alternative route between Edina Boulevard and Deborah Avenue.