Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 24, 1994                   TAG: 9405240074
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MURDER TRIAL OPENS FOR DRIVER WHOSE TRUCK RAMMED CROWD

Rebecca Sheppard, 27, was sprawled on the ground. She wasn't moving. Gould sped away.

Later that night, Sheppard died, crushed by the blow from Gould's pickup truck.

On Monday, Gould pleaded not guilty in Roanoke Circuit Court to first-degree murder.

In most cases involving traffic fatalities, drivers are charged with manslaughter for acting with recklessness. Gould was charged with premeditated murder because prosecutors believe he used his vehicle as a weapon.

According to testimony, Gould said he did not mean to hurt Sheppard and was trying to escape a fight with Tim Sheppard, her husband.

"It is a tragic situation for which the defendant is deeply sorry," said defense attorney Charles B. Phillips.

On Aug. 6, 1993, the Sheppards were holding a party in their front yard on the 600 block of Marshall Avenue Southwest. Around 7 p.m., Gould pulled up with Kim "Truck" Turner, who lived next door. Gould was there to fix Turner's motorcycle, according to testimony.

Gould argued with Tim Sheppard. They wound up in a shoving match and Gould was struck in the ear. Gould left, first walking up the street, then getting into his 1978 pickup. He sped to nearby Seventh Street, turned around and accelerated toward the Sheppards' home, according to testimony.

As he neared the area, he hit Rebecca Sheppard's brother-in-law, Eddie Sheppard, who sustained a broken arm. Gould's truck then jumped the curb, running onto the Sheppards' front lawn. He then hit Rebecca Sheppard, nearly severing her leg.

Police found Gould's truck abandoned about a mile from the accident scene. A front tire was blown.

Police later stopped Gould on Hershberger Road, near his home. He told them he was on his way to the police station and that he was trying to get away from Tim Sheppard, who had hit him. He also said that Rebecca Sheppard had jumped in front of his truck.

A charge of malicious wounding, for hurting Eddie Sheppard, was dismissed Monday, because Sheppard is in a Florida jail on an assault charge and unable to testify. Gould is expected to testify today.

Keywords:
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