Driver Acquitted of Felony School Bus Death

A driver who hit and killed a girl after she got off a school bus has been acquitted of a felony charge.

Jurors in Lander found William Dean Barnes not guilty of aggravated vehicular homicide in the death of 11-year-old MaKayla Marie Strahle of Crowheart.  According to a story published by the Associated Press, jurors convicted Barnes of several misdemeanor charges on Friday evening, including homicide by vehicle.  That carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine up to $2,000.

Barnes struck MaKayla as she crossed the highway after getting off the bus in December of 2011.

During court proceedings it was mentioned that the bus had flashing lights, but there was fog at the time.

Barnes' lawyer argued that prosecutors failed to prove that Barnes was driving recklessly.

The AP reports the jury took nearly eight hours to reach their verdict.