The truck driver responsible for the fatal crash that injured actor Tracy Morgan says the criminal charges against him should be dropped since he can’t get a fair trial because the media has already convicted him.
Kevin Roper, who used to drive for Walmart, has filed to dismiss his criminal charges of assault by auto and death by auto because says that the extensive media coverage of the incident will make it impossible for him to get a fair trial.
Roper’s attorney said, “no accused can receive a fair trial, or any other due process requirements, if the criminal justice system under which an accused is tried leaves him at the mercy of the press.”
Last month, the NTSB reported that Roper had been awake for over 28 hours at the time of the New Jersey Turnpike 6 vehicle pile up which involved 21 people and killed comedian James McNair.
Tracy Morgan and McNair’s estate both settled lawsuits against Walmart earlier this year.
Sources:
NJ.com
WKRC
People Magazine