Man charged with vehicular manslaughter after fatal crash at Stillwell-Beckett intersection
An Ohio man is being charged with vehicular manslaughter after running through an Oxford Township stop sign installed just weeks ago.
Editor's note: This story originally stated that the accident occurred on June 27. That was false. The accident occurred on April 7, and the citation for vehicular manslaughter was filed on June 27. We apologize for the error.
A 51-year-old man is being charged with vehicular manslaughter after he ran the stop sign at the Stillwell-Beckett and 732 intersection in Oxford Township.
According to a citation filed with the Butler County Area Court, the driver drove into the path of a truck on April 7, 2024, killing one and injuring two more. The citation was filed on June 27.
An initial hearing is scheduled for July 18, 2024.
According to Dominy Law Firm in Columbus, Ohio, vehicular manslaughter is considered a second degree misdemeanor in the state. Defendants found guilty are subject to up to 90 days in jail, plus a mandatory license suspension of between six months and three years. The Oxford Free Press does not identify defendants by name in misdemeanor cases before trial.
The defendant's attorney, Steven P. Goodin, did not respond to comment.
According to the Journal-News, the Oxford Township intersection was turned into a four way stop on June 12 as an interim measure for the rising crash trends. The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to convert the intersection into a roundabout in 2028.
For 30 to 40 days after the installation of the four way stop, police officers aren't giving tickets to people who run the stop sign. Instead, officers will give a warning and explanation for the change, according to Tricia Powell, Oxford Township's assistant to the chief of police.
