10-26-2015, 09:28 PM
Automobiles aren't designed to be weapons and almost all auto deaths are accidents or a result of negligence rather than intent.
But, I've read about two cases recently where automobiles may have been used willfully to hurt or kill people.
TEXAS
Jury selection began today in the trial of ^ 23-year-old Rashad Owens, the man accused of driving into a crowd and killing two during South by Southwest in 2014.
Owens has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of 35-year-old Steven Craenmehr of Amsterdam, Holland and Austin resident Jamie West, 27.
Police said that Owens fled from an officer when he was pulled over at a gas station on the I-35 service road, drove the wrong way down Ninth Street - a one-way street - and through a SXSW barricade. Police said he then drove through a group of pedestrians standing outside of Mohawk, a popular bar and music venue, killing Craenmehr and West.
He is also being charged with 24 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He’s accused of injuring 24 people, some critically with his vehicle.
After being treated and released for minor injuries sustained in the crash, Owens agreed to a breath test and it showed his blood-alcohol content as .114, according an arrest affidavit. The legal blood-alcohol limit in Texas in .08.
Despite the two capital murder charges, prosecutors said they do not plan to seek the death penalty against Owens.
http://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/ju...owd-begins
But, I've read about two cases recently where automobiles may have been used willfully to hurt or kill people.
TEXAS
Jury selection began today in the trial of ^ 23-year-old Rashad Owens, the man accused of driving into a crowd and killing two during South by Southwest in 2014.
Owens has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of 35-year-old Steven Craenmehr of Amsterdam, Holland and Austin resident Jamie West, 27.
Police said that Owens fled from an officer when he was pulled over at a gas station on the I-35 service road, drove the wrong way down Ninth Street - a one-way street - and through a SXSW barricade. Police said he then drove through a group of pedestrians standing outside of Mohawk, a popular bar and music venue, killing Craenmehr and West.
He is also being charged with 24 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He’s accused of injuring 24 people, some critically with his vehicle.
After being treated and released for minor injuries sustained in the crash, Owens agreed to a breath test and it showed his blood-alcohol content as .114, according an arrest affidavit. The legal blood-alcohol limit in Texas in .08.
Despite the two capital murder charges, prosecutors said they do not plan to seek the death penalty against Owens.
http://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/ju...owd-begins