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Smith case will be presented to grand jury Melodie Phelps News Editor The case against Roger Smith will be presented to the Wayne County Grand Jury, after a preliminary hearing on Wednesday afternoon before District Judge Mike Lawson. Lawson found that there was probable cause to send the case to the grand jury, after hearing testimony from two police officers and another teenager who was riding a bicycle along with the victim Gary Catron on October 12. Catron died from injuries, after his bicycle was struck by a Ford Thunderbird allegedly driven by Smith. Smith was arrested a short time later, after police say he tried to hide his vehicle at a relative's house and fled into a wooded area. He is charged with second degree manslaughter, D.U.I., and a number of other vehicle-related violations. A large number of Catron's family members attended the hearing on Wednesday. They had conducted a candlelight vigil at Memorial Park the night before in honor of the Wayne County High School senior. Trooper Parrish Baker, an Accident Reconstructionist with Kentucky State Police, provided testimony regarding the investigation that occurred right after the collision, which was on Missouri Hollow Road. Baker said that he took photographs at the scene and also took measurements. He said that deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department apprehended Smith and they obtained a blood sample. Baker said that he went to Smith's brother's house, where the car had been parked, to examine the vehicle. At the Detention Center, Baker said that he photographed Smith and noted that he could "detect an on odor of alcohol" on Smith at that time. Baker reviewed results of the toxicology report which determined that Smith's blood alcohol level was .06. Under questioning by Jason Kinser, who is representing Smith, Baker said that this is below the legal limit of .08 in the state of Kentucky. Kinser also asked Baker about the road on which the accident occurred. Baker said that it was a narrow road, but was large enough for two vehicles to pass. He said it was paved and the speed limit was 25 mph. Deputy Ralph Miniard was called to testify. He said he was involved in the search for Smith after the accident. It was Deputy Terry Davis who actually arrested the man. Miniard said he transported Smith to the hospital to have blood drawn and said that Smith told him several times, "I tried to miss him." Miniard said that Smith appeared to be "moderately under the influence." Kinser called only one witness during the hearing, the 15-year-old boy who had been riding his bicycle with Catron when the collision occurred. The teenager said that he and Catron had been playing basketball that day and they had watched television. They were on their way back to Catron's uncle's house and were racing each other on their bicycles, he also testified. The teenager said he did not see Smith try to swerve before hitting the bicycle. Smith remains lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash only bond. The Wayne County Grand Jury is scheduled to meet again November 15, and that is when the case is likely to be presented to them. Add a comment |
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