Trial Starts In Death Of Wyo. Girl Hit Near Bus
RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — A Lander man accused of hitting and killing a girl as she got off the school bus last year is going on trial.
William Dean Barnes’ trial begins Tuesday and is expected to last up to three days.
He’s pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of 11-year-old MaKayla Marie Strahle (STRAW’-lee) of Crowheart on Dec. 20, 2011. The Wind River School sixth-grader was hit while crossing U.S. Highway 26.
Authorities say Barnes was driving at 57 mph — which they say was too fast for the foggy conditions. They also say he failed to stop for a school bus with flashing lights.
The Associated Press reports that prosecutors plan to use data about the crash from Barnes’ pickup during the trial.