Man held without release after boating accident leaves victim decapitated

Richard Stevenson, 45, is being held without release after a boating accident on Illinois’ Fox River left a passenger decapitated, according to court documents. Stevenson faces multiple charges, including aggravated DUI and reckless homicide in connection with the Saturday crash. A witness told officers that Stevenson’s vessel was traveling at full throttle as it entered a no-wake zone, collided with a second boat, and resulted in the decapitation of a female passenger on the other craft. Court records identify the victim as M.J. Stevenson allegedly overtook another vessel before crashing into timber on the west bank, remained at the scene, and was taken to a hospital. A medical draw showed his blood alcohol concentration was 0.2 versus Illinois’ 0.08 legal limit. Judge Cynthia Lamb ordered him detained, citing a “real and present threat” to community safety, and Stevenson is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 5.