Cars and trucks are potentially deadly weapons in the best of conditions, even more so if they're operated by a drunk driver. DUI accidents often result in death and/or serious injury if the offender is too wasted to slow down before impact.
Fatal DUIs usually result in charges of aggravated DUI and involuntary manslaughter. But a recent accident that left Maria Worthon dead and her six-year-old son critically injured (Tribune) has been charged as first-degree murder.
Thirty-year-old defendant Ralph Eubanks allegedly slammed into Worthon and her son, Jeremiah Worthon, as they were crossing the street. She was thrown nearly a half of a block and died, according to a witness, while Jeremiah was rushed to the ER in critical condition.
Eubanks, who has a long criminal history, had been stopped by police on a traffic violation but unexpectedly pulled away as police were approaching his car. That's when he struck the pair. But instead of stopping, he allegedly sped up and fled the scene.
When police finally caught up to Eubanks, he allegedly struck several parked vehicles and then jumped out and tried to flee once again.
In addition to first-degree murder, Eubanks was charged with aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run, a felony).
Stay safe out there, even when crossing the street.
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Driver Charged With Murder, DUI In Fatal Crash (video, WLKY via YouTube)
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Driver In Fatal Crash Charged With Murder, Assault, DUI (KTUU Anchorage)
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Chicago DUI Attorneys (FindLaw)
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