Thread: Driver of tractor-trailer is a suspected illegal immigrant

http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... /612230303

Farm hand charged in fatal wreck
Driver of tractor-trailer is a suspected illegal immigrant
BY DON FASNACHT
STAFF WRITER

NEW CASTLE -- The driver of a farm tractor-trailer involved in an accident that killed two people on Indiana 38 this week near the Wayne and Henry counties line is being charged with reckless homicide.

Henry County Circuit Court Judge Mary Willis ruled Friday that there was probable cause to file reckless homicide charges against Ernesto Reyes, 20, Hagerstown, whom authorities believe to be an illegal immigrant.


Reyes' initial hearing will resume at 3 p.m. Wednesday when Henry County Prosecutor Kit Crane will file formal charges.

In the meantime, Reyes is being held in jail. His bond was set at $500,000.

Crane said evidence was presented Friday to prove that the tractor and trailer Reyes was driving did not have operating lights.

"The accident happened a little after 6 p.m.," Crane said. "At that hour you need lights at this time of the year."

Indiana State Police investigators said there were no pre-collision skid marks at the scene of the crash indicating the pair killed in a car had not attempted to brake.

During the probable cause hearing, Special Agent Scott Thompson of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service testified he believes Reyes is in the United States illegally, Crane said. He is apparently a Mexican citizen.

"Mr. Reyes was advised of his right to contact the Mexican consulate, but waived that right," Crane said.

Reyes was driving a farm tractor pulling grain trailer eastbound on Indiana 38 about half a mile west of the Wayne County line. He was preparing to turn right when the rig was hit from behind by a 1993 Dodge Shadow driven by Gregory Duvall, 39. Duvall and his passenger, Vickie Guffey, 60, died in the crash. Both were from New Castle.

Indiana State Police investigators said there were no pre-collision skid marks at the scene of the crash indicating Duvall did not see the tractor and trailer before the collision.

Reyes was uninjured, but he was taken to Henry County Hospital where blood was drawn for testing, common procedure in fatal accidents. Results of that test won't be available for two to three weeks.

Reyes was working as a farm hand. Crane did not name his employer.

"This is an ongoing and fluid investigation," Crane said. He did not rule out additional charges being filed in the case.

Reporter Don Fasnacht: (765) 973-4483 or Dfasnacht@pal-item.com

His employer should also be held liable for this as he allowed him to drive the truck in the first place.