Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Vehicular Homicide

This wasn't on the Sentinel's website so I'm posting it here for those who don't subscribe to the Sentinel.

Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Vehicular Homicide
By Bobby Moore
Staff Writer

Chris Black, the Douglas County Sheriff's deputy involved in a November 14, 2007 car accident that killed the wife of a co-worker, was indicted Friday by a Grand Jury of both first degree vehicular homicide and second degree vehicular homicide.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, Deputy Chris Black was traveling north on Georgia Highway 5 to respond to a robbery at Arbor Place Mall about 8 p.m. when he allegedly lost control of his patrol car near Downs Road just north of Hwy 166.  The patrol car crossed the center line, striking a southbound Honda Accord driven by Tammy L. Barnwell, 44, of Douglasville, the sole vehicle occupant.

Barnwell, manager of the Concourse Parkway Wal-Mart, was dead at the scene.  Black was taken by ambulance to Atlanta Medical Center, where he underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist and leg.

The first degree count was for reckless driving.  The indictment said Black (in the article, it says Barnwell, not Black) was driving in an excess of 85 miles per hour after dark without activating his blue lights or siren.

The second degree count was for driving too fast for conditions.  That indictment said Black (again, in the article, it says Barnwell) was driving too fast to control his vehicle considering he was entering a curve in the roadway and there was oncoming traffic.

"I respect the decision of the Grand Jury and I respect the judicial system," Sheriff Phil Miller said.

Miller added Black will no longer be allowed to work for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office following two indictments.

The indictments were handed down after over four hours of testimony and about an hour of deliberation.

Douglas County District Attorney David McDade described Friday's proceedings as a "long, tortuous process."

McDade said he assumes the Grand Jury indicted Black on both counts so a trial jury can also consider both charges.