GUTHRIE, Okla. (KFOR) – A former volunteer firefighter appeared in court docket on an accusation that he left the scene of a lethal crash.
“Zach by no means did something that, in our opinion, has by no means carried out something improper,” mentioned protection lawyer Scott Adams.
The trial of Zachary Simmons is now underway in Logan County. The 30 12 months outdated is accused of leaving the scene of a lethal crash in October of 2019, killing 34-year-old Mandy Gorsuch.
That night time, Gorsuch, her spouse and a few pals went bar-hopping in Downtown Guthrie and landed at Rooster’s Exhausting Instances Membership.
On Tuesday, Gorsuch’s pal testified on the stand. The pal mentioned after he paid his tab, he went outdoors and located Gorsuch and the group crowded round a white truck. Simmons and his girlfriend have been outdoors.
Within the midst of an argument, the witness heard Simmons’ girlfriend yell vulgar remarks about Gorsuch’s relationship together with her spouse. Based on court docket paperwork, that’s when Simmons “flashed his badge,” “gunned his pickup” and “ran Gorsuch over.”
On the stand, the pal mentioned he watched Simmons drive up the highway, cease, open the door and search for harm on his truck. In the meantime, Gorsuch’s pal yelled at Simmons’ for working somebody over. The witness mentioned Simmons appeared within the route of Gorsuch, who was crying in the course of the highway, then drove off.
Protection attorneys argued the witness had 12 beers that bight and was very drunk. Additionally they identified his Tuesday testimony didn’t line up along with his earlier statements.
Simmons’ attorneys additionally maintained their shopper did nothing improper.
“He was merely attempting to diffuse the scenario with a bunch of people that have been inebriated they usually have been making silly selections and dangerous issues occurred,” mentioned Adams. “She was struck by a automobile and died. And I hate that. And it’s unhappy, however you understand, typically it’s important to be accountable for your personal actions.”
A number of months after the crash, Simmons was arrested for DUI in Payne County. He didn’t spend an evening in jail and the one change to his bond was that he wasn’t allowed to drive.
Courtroom begins again up tomorrow.
