DAYTON — The man accused of killing four people in a crash near the Dayton International Airport will undergo a second psychological evaluation.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, the crash happened on Boeing Drive and Airport Access Road on April 1, 2024.
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Larry Edwards, 77, of Tipp City, Richard Coatney, 77, of Piqua, Richard Turnbull, 67, of Lewisburg, and Stephen Cassel, 72, of Clayton, were all killed.
State troopers found Clayton Hughes responsible for the crash.
Judge Elizabeth Ellis called Hughes’s hearing into order on Thursday, possibly expecting a long discussion about the defense’s legal strategy.
“Mr. Hughes has filed a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity,” Ellis said.
But things changed when prosecutors made a request to the judge.
“Your Honor, we will request that Dr. Marciani sit with Hughes to do an evaluation,” assistant prosecuting attorney Lynda Dodd said.
The prosecution decided they want their own expert to examine Hughes’ mental state as it relates to the crash nearly two years ago.
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Driver accused of causing crash that killed 4 men near Dayton airport arrested
Troopers wrote in their report that Hughes rear-ended a driver on I-70, then exited toward the airport in a Volvo SUV.
He hit another van at the intersection and killed the four men inside.
A fifth person in the second vehicle suffered critical injuries.
Troopers believe Hughes was driving under the influence at the time of the crash.
He’s facing several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, failure to stop after an accident, and OVI.
Hughes’ lawyer asked the judge to throw out potential evidence against him, including two reports from a state trooper and an interview done while he was hospitalized.
They wrote in court documents, “Mr. Hughes’ statements were also involuntary, which provides a separate reason for suppression.”
The judge previously heard arguments on the documents and reminded lawyers that she wanted written arguments as well.
“We’ve got joint briefs on the motion to suppress; those are due next,” Ellis said.
Hughes is expected back in court inMarch.
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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