A Missouri man has been charged with two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter and one count of second-degree assault in connection to a motor vehicle accident that claimed the lives of two Pineville men earlier this year.
On June 8, Timothy E. Calvin, 31, of Sarcoxie, was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on U.S. Highway 71 in Jane when he failed to stop for a steady red signal and struck a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu in the passenger side as the vehicle was making a left turn on a green arrow.
Both the driver of the Malibu, Austin J. Buttry, 21, of Pineville, and the front seat passenger, Billy W. Hampshire, 20, also of Pineville, were killed in the accident. The remaining passenger, Dillon M. Russell, 20, of Noel, was transported to Mercy Hospital before being flown to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark..
According to Missouri Revised State Statutes 565.024, "a person commits the crime of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree if he or she: recklessly causes the death of another person; or, while in an intoxicated condition, operates a motor vehicle or vessel in this state and, when so operating, acts with criminal negligence to cause the death of any person."
First degree involuntary manslaughter can be considered either a Class B or C felony, depending on who has died and under what circumstances. Sentencing for a Class B felony ranges from five to 15 years in prison while sentencing for a Class C felony can be up to seven years in prison and a fine of no more than $5,000.
Calvin's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 14.
General News on 09/03/2015