Scruggs' Hit-and-Run
Three weeks have passed since Jonathan Scruggs, 18, was killed in a hit-and-run.
N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Workman was nice enough Friday to give me access to the car involved. You'll notice the plastic covering and Biohazard notice. Workman said those are the result of blood and body tissue left on the car as a result of the wreck.
I spoke with District Attorney Rick Shaffer today about when charges, if any, will be filed against the driver. Right now he's looking to take the case to the grand jury July 9.
That last photo is about the best shot I could get of the shattered windsheild. The right side mirror was torn from the car as a result of the wreck, state troopers previously told me.
Look for more on the story in Saturday's Star
N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Workman was nice enough Friday to give me access to the car involved. You'll notice the plastic covering and Biohazard notice. Workman said those are the result of blood and body tissue left on the car as a result of the wreck.
I spoke with District Attorney Rick Shaffer today about when charges, if any, will be filed against the driver. Right now he's looking to take the case to the grand jury July 9.
That last photo is about the best shot I could get of the shattered windsheild. The right side mirror was torn from the car as a result of the wreck, state troopers previously told me.
Look for more on the story in Saturday's Star
posted by Graham at
4:28 PM
18 Comments:
May 22nd to june 15 is less than four weeks.
Its about time something was done. Now maybe Jonathan Scruggs family can get the justice they deserve, and finally some closure to this tragedy. But why is it going to take almost another month before the case goes to the grand jury?
"But why is it going to take almost another month before the case goes to the grand jury?"
I'm not a court reporter (Pete would know for sure) so I'm not sure of the ins and outs of grand juries but I don't believe they meet too often. That might just be the next time they meet.
Will the police allow you to get a picture of the car without the plastic covering it?
Also do you know if anyone has been arrested yet.
"Will the police allow you to get a picture of the car without the plastic covering it?
Also do you know if anyone has been arrested yet."
Highway Patrol isn't allowed to take off the covering because the car is a biohazard.
Charges will be filed within the next few weeks, at the latest July 9.
Highway Patrol isn't allowed to take off the covering because the car is a biohazard.
Does this mean that there was a lot of blood on the car? Or what?
Does this mean that the car is a health hazzard???
Also what usually happens when someone kills someone in this way. Is it normal for it to take so long to even bring charges??
Anyway, I think this was a very horrible thing to have happened.
"Also what usually happens when someone kills someone in this way. Is it normal for it to take so long to even bring charges??"
It's not unusual. Investigations, especially of this nature, can take quite a while to complete.
We drove past this car this weekend and the plastic cover is all the way off.
There is hole all the way thru the windshield. It is hard to believe that the person driving did not know that they hit someone.
Also I have not read any updates as to any charges being filed yet, and it has been a month now.
I hope that something is done, because I am afraid that if nothing at all is done about this then some will think its okay to commit these types of crimes, because they may mistakenly think they will get away with it.
I think this is a horrible way for someone to die. I would not wish this type of death on anyone.
It is bad enough for any family when someone dies but I think it is even worse when someone is ran down and left to die as was done in this case.
It gives me nightmares thinking about it even.
"Also I have not read any updates as to any charges being filed yet, and it has been a month now."
The June 15th Star featured an update and stated charges are expected between now and July 9, when the grand jury next meets.
Here's a link to the full story: http://www.shelbystar.com/news/white_22600___article.html/investigation_hit.html
I don't think the full link made that last post. Here's the story:
SHELBY — Criminal charges will soon be filed in a fatal hit-and-run incident last month, according to the district attorney’s office.
District Attorney Rick Shaffer said Friday that charges are forthcoming against Shannon Lynn White, 29, in the May 22 killing of Jonathan Scruggs.
“We’re probably going to send the case to the grand jury on July 9,” Shaffer said. “It is conceivable he will be charged before the grand jury time.”
Scruggs, 18, was struck during the night by White’s car while walking home from work on Caleb Road. State troopers previously told The Star that White, of Dyer Court, came forward the next day after learning of Scruggs’ death and initially thought he had hit an animal.
A call to White’s home Friday was not returned.
Shaffer would not comment on what charges White could face but said the grand jury would make that determination. He said, despite White coming forward the next day, it takes time to complete an investigation and determine what charges could be filed.
“It depends on the facts and it depends on the circumstances,” Shaffer said. “The investigation needs to be complete before you do the charging.”
“Our job is not to charge somebody to make somebody happy,” he said. “Our job is to charge somebody after the investigation is done. There’s no reason to jump the gun. It’s not a situation where you’re talking about an armed robber likely to commit other crimes of a similar nature.”
Troopers allowed The Star exclusive access to White’s red 1998 Saturn Friday, parked at the jail annex. The car, missing its right side mirror, was marked with a ‘Biohazard’ notice and covered with a clear sheath but the windshield, shattered during the hit-and-run, could still be seen.
The side mirror was torn from the vehicle when Scruggs was struck.
Sgt. E.T. Workman said the car was marked as a biohazard due to blood and body tissue left from the wreck.
Trooper B.D. Theis said the investigation by Highway Patrol into the hit-and-run included involvement from the State Bureau of Investigation. Theis said the SBI’s involvement centered on dealing with specific evidence but could not elaborate.
"The June 15th Star featured an update and stated charges are expected between now and July 9, when the grand jury next meets."
I wonder how many other people who commit crimes get so much warning ahead of time as to when to expect charges to be filed. It is almost as if the delay in bringing charges is so the person who killed Jonathan, can have time to leave if they want to or something.
I suppose there is a reason for the delay on bringing charges but it makes me wonder if the delay is so someone can have time to leave town or something.
Just what I'm thinking as I read the last update which is several days old now.
Another question though, will there be an update in the paper if this person is actually charged?
Just wondering...
"Scruggs, 18, was struck during the night by White’s car while walking home from work on Caleb Road. "
Is this a misprint or something? Because it has been stated by the family that he was killed closer to 8:30 pm. At which time it is still daylight,
If this is a mistake will it be corrected?
Just wondering.....
While it might have been daylight, 8:30 p.m. is still considered nighttime :)
"While it might have been daylight, 8:30 p.m. is still considered nighttime :) "
Okay, that makes sense then.
It was still light at that time.
Maybe that is why I was thinking of it as day time. :o)
I have a quick question? I have been following this story, since it's been in the news, so I was wondering, will there be any updates if the person who killed Jonathan, is charged?
I remember it was in the paper that charges may be filed soon.
Anyway, just wondering.
Yes, when charges are filed we will report that. But right now there's just nothing new in the case.
Do you know the car has been removed from the impound lot?
Did you know that this case will be going to a jury trial now because of the fact that the person charged with this has asked for a trial by jury, and refused the plea agreement offered by the state.
It's been a little over a year now so thought you might like an update on that if you did not know.
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