Trial Set To Begin For 2008 Car Crash That Killed 5 In Plano
A Louisiana man will face a jury on manslaughter charges after more than two years after a horrific car crash in Plano killed a family of five.
David Calhoun Jones was driving in a rented Pontiac when he ran a red light on Legacy Drive on June 22, 2008. His car was going nearly 100 mph when he struck a curb and fire hydrant before going airborne. He collided with a Ford Winstar minivan carrying the Hart family and their two foster children.
Geoffrey Hart, 41 and his wife, Laura Christine Hart, 41 were killed instantly, along with their 12-year-old daughter, Rebekah. Two foster children in the family's care died later at area hospitals. Raven Lucas was 5; and her sister, Kevinnesha Palmer, was 6.
A criminal trial has been delayed several times because of Jones' extensive injuries. The crash left him a paraplegic. If convicted of the second-degree felony, Jones' punishment ranges from probation to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for wrongful death.
The trial is set to begin this morning in Collin County before Senior District Judge Quay Parker.
Our sympathies go out to the friends and relatives of the Hart family for this tragic accident that could have been prevented. If Jones had obeyed the posted speed limit or made sure to stop at the red light, these lives could have been saved.
On an average each year, there were 5,589 fatalities to occupants of vehicles and 794 fatalities to nonoccupants in intersections controlled by traffic signals and stop signs. It is unclear as to whether he was driving while intoxicated, but either way his exessive speed was inexcusable. Hopefully, this trial will bring justice to the Hart family.
Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For more information regarding car accidents, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.
