Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A judge has dismissed charges against an Ohio teenager blamed for a fatal traffic crash caused by a stop sign concealed with petroleum jelly and plastic wrap.
The Columbus Dispatch says the judge ruled Monday there was insufficient evidence to support a charge of involuntary manslaughter against 18-year-old Derek Greenlee of Circleville. Nineteen-year-old Seth Stonerock of Stoutsville remains charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Circleville Law Director Gary Kenworthy tells the Dispatch that Stonerock admitted he wrapped the stop sign in plastic while Greenlee waited in their vehicle. Kenworthy says Greenlee told Stonerock the prank was “not a good idea” but did nothing to stop it.
Authorities say 85-year-old Mary Spangler died in the Aug. 17 crash when her 81-year-old sister, Jeanne Shea, drove past the stop sign and into another car. Shea died on Sept. 6.
The case will be considered by a grand jury.
Copyright 2011 Associated Press