2008 Woodie Awards
Train accident cases see 1st settlement
Miami University junior accepts plea agreement, 4 other cases remain pending in Butler County
Stacey Skotzko
Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: Front Page
One of the students charged with furnishing alcohol to former Miami University sophomore Beth Speidel at her off-campus residence has accepted a plea agreement, making her the first of five to resolve her case, according to Daniel Haughey, the student's attorney.
Junior Danielle Davis has agreed to donate $100 to a law enforcement trust fund, attend a two-day alcohol education program and perform 30 hours of community service, according to Haughey.
Haughey explained that this diversion means her charges will be dismissed if she completes these requirements by Jan. 24.
"It's not uncommon here in Oxford (to receive a diversion)," he said. "For a first offense, fake IDs-it's typical that somebody comes in and gets a diversion."
Davis and four other students were all underage when charged with furnishing alcohol to Speidel, who was killed by a CSX train at approximately 1:45 a.m. April 14. Speidel had a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit at the time of her death, according to Butler County Coroner.
Haughey said his client is happy her case has been resolved and wishes her friends the best. Yet he expressed some frustrations in regards to the case and its future implications.
"Every time a Miami student is found passed out … are they going to initiate the same type of investigation?" he said. "Inherently, it's unfair that these particular individuals have been rung through the ringer."
Three other students-Kristina Sicker, Christine Carr and Kathleen Byrne, who are all charged with furnishing alcohol to Speidel at their Brown Road residence last April-will see Thursday if they will go to trial or see similar plea agreements.
Sicker and Byrne have filed motions to suppress evidence, believing the statements taken from the Oxford Police Department (OPD) April 16 violated their Miranda rights. Carr filed a notice of alibi, stating she was allegedly was at a Relay for Life Event from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. April 13-14.
Junior Danielle Davis has agreed to donate $100 to a law enforcement trust fund, attend a two-day alcohol education program and perform 30 hours of community service, according to Haughey.
Haughey explained that this diversion means her charges will be dismissed if she completes these requirements by Jan. 24.
"It's not uncommon here in Oxford (to receive a diversion)," he said. "For a first offense, fake IDs-it's typical that somebody comes in and gets a diversion."
Davis and four other students were all underage when charged with furnishing alcohol to Speidel, who was killed by a CSX train at approximately 1:45 a.m. April 14. Speidel had a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit at the time of her death, according to Butler County Coroner.
Haughey said his client is happy her case has been resolved and wishes her friends the best. Yet he expressed some frustrations in regards to the case and its future implications.
"Every time a Miami student is found passed out … are they going to initiate the same type of investigation?" he said. "Inherently, it's unfair that these particular individuals have been rung through the ringer."
Three other students-Kristina Sicker, Christine Carr and Kathleen Byrne, who are all charged with furnishing alcohol to Speidel at their Brown Road residence last April-will see Thursday if they will go to trial or see similar plea agreements.
Sicker and Byrne have filed motions to suppress evidence, believing the statements taken from the Oxford Police Department (OPD) April 16 violated their Miranda rights. Carr filed a notice of alibi, stating she was allegedly was at a Relay for Life Event from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. April 13-14.
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