COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Licking County Judge Steven Branstool could announce his ruling this week in the case against Jacob McDonald, the semi driver accused in the 2023 Tusky Valley crash that killed six people.
The bench trial began last week and concluded with closing arguments on Thursday.
McDonald is facing a total of 26 charges, including six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide for the deaths of three Tuscarawas Valley High School band members, two parent chaperones and a teacher:
John (Wyatt) Mosley, 18Jeffery (J.D.) Worrell, 18Katelyn Owens, 15Shannon Wigfield, 45Kristy Gaynor, 39Dave Kennat, 56
“Per email this morning, Judge Branstool plans to announce the verdict of Jacob McDonald case tentatively on Friday, May 16th, at 1:00 p.m.,” the bailiff said in a text message to ABC 6 on Monday morning.
McDonald, 61, is accused of slamming his semi truck into a passenger vehicle carrying the three adults traveling with the high schoolers. Prosecutors argue he was distracted by his cellphone while he was driving.
McDonald has been in custody since his arrest about 18 months ago and could spend decades in prison if he’s convicted.
