By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Jan. 18, 2001
A Meridian man was served with a DUI manslaughter warrant Wednesday, nearly two years after the accident in which he was involved claimed the life of his passenger.
Tommy Turner Jr., 33, of 2800 St. Luke St., is accused in the Feb. 27, 1999 death of 40-year-old Willie C. Jones, said Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell.
Mitchell said investigators believe Turner had been southbound on Pine Springs Road and driving on the wrong side of the road when his car struck another car being driven by John G. Lorebeck of 8470 Pine Springs Road.
Lorebeck was transported to a local hospital and treated for injuries sustained in the accident. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, Mitchell said.
Officials waited to serve the indictment on Turner because he has been undergoing intense physical therapy and rehabilitation for serious injuries sustained in the accident, he said.
Mitchell said investigators chose to wait for evidence to be processed and returned from the Mississippi Crime Lab before making formal charges against Turner. Instead of arresting Turner, they chose to present their evidence to a Lauderdale County grand jury, he said.
Turner, who was arraigned Wednesday afternoon, is currently free on $10,000 bond.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail them at mtodd@meridianstar.com.