Man charged with DUI in death of popular Vito and Nick’s bartender
STAFF REPORT September 23, 2012 10:20PM
Judy Bramwell
Updated: October 25, 2012 6:16AM
A Burbank man was ordered held in lieu of $300,000 bail Monday on DUI charges stemming from the fatal accident that claimed the life of Judy Bramwell, a popular bartender and waitress at Vito and Nick’s restaurant at 84th Street and Pulaski Road in Chicago.
Jesus Luna, 51, was charged with aggravated DUI for hitting Bramwell, 56, with his pickup as she was getting into her vehicle in the 6500 block of South Pulaski Road around 2 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.
Bramwell, of the 5700 block of South Saint Louis Avenue, was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, where she died at 11:24 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Luna, who remained at the scene, was also charged with reckless driving and a two other counts of DUI, all misdemeanors, police said. He was also ticketed for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving without insurance.
He is scheduled to appear in court next on Oct. 16.
A memorial was posted on the pizzeria’s Facebook page: “Judy you will never be forgotten, we pledge to you today, a hallowed place within our hearts, is where you’ll always stay. Thank you for over 20 wonderful years of service. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Bramwell equally loved her job. On her Facebook page, she wrote, “I have worked there 20 years … the best place ever.”
Contributing: Susan DeMar Lafferty Sun-Times Media
