NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) – It’s been over a 12 months since three Moore Excessive College college students tragically misplaced their lives when a pickup slammed into them throughout cross nation follow. The person behind the wheel, Max Townsend, has been charged with three counts of second- diploma homicide and fleeing the scene of an accident.
He pleaded not responsible to every depend.
Jury choice completed up on Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland County, with opening statements going down shortly after. The courtroom then emotional as a mother or father from every of the victims who have been killed took the stand.
The crash killed 16-year-old Yuridia Martinez, 17-year-old Rachel Freeman and 18-year-old Kolby Crum and injuring 4 others.
The state argued Townsend “didn’t care if he harm somebody.” And acted with “imminently harmful conduct.”
Saying he had alcohol and THC in his system when his truck plowed into the youngsters at 77 miles-per-hour.
The state stated, “simply steps into their run that day, this defendant modified all of their lives endlessly.” Evaluating the crash scene to a warfare film or a horror film.
However the protection argues Townsend was unconscious in the course of the crash.
They are saying he was grieving the demise of his personal son— who had died in a automobile accident the day earlier than.
The protection additionally stated Townsend drove from Muskogee to Moore that day to plan his son’s funeral. And in the course of the journey, he drove the pace limit– with cellular phone towers pinging his route.
The crash occurred inside a mile of son’s residence.
Townsend’s legal professional says simply earlier than the crash he had taken a drink of Pink Bull and “received choked” and “fell unconscious.”
He stated he didn’t know he hit anybody.
His legal professional additionally stated Townsend “by no means made any makes an attempt to depart that scene.” And “didn’t have a wicked thoughts as a result of THC or alcohol or anything.”
For native and breaking information, climate alerts, video and extra obtain the FREE KFOR Information App from the Apple App Retailer or the Google Play Retailer.
Earlier than recessing for the day, Yuridia, Kolby and Rachel’s mothers all took the stand – describing the moments after listening to their youngsters have been fatally injured – many preventing again tears.
Information 4 was instructed neither the protection nor the state needs to remark till after trial is over. Trial will decide again up Thursday morning at 8:30.
