On Thursday, August 6, a Valdosta man was convicted in connection with a fatal traffic accident.
Last year, on September 25, there was an accident which killed 76 year old George Stripling. Deshawn Watts, aged 34 was driving a blue 2005 Mercedes CLK500 southbound on South Lee Street when he hit the front driver’s side door of Stripling’s tan 2000 Ford Taurus, which was traveling east in the 500 block of East Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Stripling was taken to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment but died later that evening.
Watts was originally charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, reckless driving, improper passing and disregarding a traffic control device. However the defense successfully argued the case for a lesser charge and the jury determined he was not driving recklessly but was following Stripling’s vehicle too closely and he was convicted of a misdemeanor vehicular homicide.
Watts could face a 12 month sentence to be served either in jail or on probation or a combination of both plus a $1,000 fine for the homicide charge. He faces additional time and fines for the traffic charges, which in total could add up to three years in jail.
Watts will be sentenced in October following the completion of a pre-sentencing investigation.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Valdosta accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.
