Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 9, 1993 TAG: 9311090057
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Roanoke County Circuit Judge Kenneth Trabue denied a motion to allow Stover, 20, to remain free until a formal sentencing hearing set for Dec. 15.
Trabue said Stover - who was driving on a suspended license when he caused the fatal wreck - has shown that he cannot follow court instructions.
"You were violating the law in many respects," Trabue said. "I think it is appropriate to revoke your bond and remand you to jail."
The Virginia Western Community College student faces a maximum prison sentence of 12 1/2 years.
Stover pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and no contest to reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and possession of alcohol by someone under 21.
Trabue postponed a finding of guilt on the reckless-driving charge until he can determine that it - along with the manslaughter charge - would not constitute double jeopardy.
Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney F.W. "Skip" Burkart provided this summary of evidence at Monday's hearing:
On June 3, Stover and three friends went out for a night of beer drinking and drag racing. By the time they left a beach music concert at the Valleypointe Corporate Center, Stover had consumed at least five beers in 2 1/2 hours.
But that did not keep him from driving. Neither did the fact that his license was suspended from an earlier drunken-driving conviction.
Stover was behind the wheel of a red sports car that belonged to his brother's girlfriend. A friend, Scott Robert Manning, 19, of Plymouth Drive in Roanoke County, was driving a blue sports car.
According to Burkart, they took off on Peters Creek Road, weaving in and out of northbound traffic at speeds estimated at twice the posted limit of 45.
Stover was in the lead, but Manning caught him by the time they neared a red light at Airport Road. Witnesses say they never slowed as they ran the light.
About that time, Robin S. Washburn was pulling onto Peters Creek Road and approaching a light at Barrens Road. She was taking her son, Dustin, to get a candy bar.
Stover plowed into the rear of Washburn's compact car, crushing it and flipping it onto its roof. Authorities also charged Manning with involuntary manslaughter. His trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 7.
At Monday's hearing, Robin Washburn sobbed as the chaotic accident scene was recounted: paramedics searching in vain for Dustin's pulse and Stover telling a police officer, "That [expletive] black car pulled out in front of me."
John Lichtenstein, an attorney for Stover, said his client denied using profanity. Lichtenstein also objected to Burkart's characterizing Stover's behavior at the accident scene as "belligerent."
Stover did not testify and showed no visible sign of remorse. He sat next to his lawyer with folded hands and an expressionless face. He showed no emotion as his mother, seated in the front row, broke into tears when Trabue revoked his bond.
As he was led from the courtroom, Stover looked back at his family and winked.
Keywords:
FATALITY
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.