Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 4, 1993 TAG: 9312070281
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Peggy Jean Bishop, 30, of the 1600 block of Gallimore Street, was charged after Myrna J. Clendenin, 43, of Plum Creek was found dead along U.S. 11 near her home shortly after 5 a.m.
Phil Keith, Montgomery County's commonwealth's attorney, told Judge Robert Powell that Bishop violated a law requiring motorists to, as soon as possible, stop, render aid and report the accident.
Keith said Bishop told authorities she saw a blur and thought somebody had thrown something at her car. Bishop said she stopped her car and got out to look around but saw nothing. It was dark, and there was patchy fog.
Bishop went home, a short distance away, and called her husband, who drove to the scene then returned home to tell her she had struck and killed a woman.
Bishop called her attorney, Max Jenkins, at about 9 a.m. and about two hours later, he came to Plum Creek to tell the investigators he had information on what had happened. Bishop gave a statement to authorities later that day.
Keith said that while Bishop obviously violated the law by not reporting the matter immediately, it was not unreasonable for her to call a lawyer.
Keith said toxicology tests showed Clendenin had a blood-alcohol content of .16 - more than the recognized .10 limit to be declared intoxicated.
``Well, it's most unfortunate,'' Powell said as he accepted a plea agreement reached by the prosecution and defense.
Bishop was placed on three years' probation after Powell suspended a three-year prison sentence. She also will have to complete 200 hours of community service.
``I'm sorry, as I'm sure you are,'' Powell said to Bishop, who nodded that she was.
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB