Suspect faces charges of negligent homicide

An Ashdown, Ark., man has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide involving a fatal collision on U.S. Highway 71 near Wilton Feb. 9.

The fatal wreck caused the deaths of a 34-year-old De Queen man and his 4-year-old son.

Samuel Maroon, 52, of Ashdown recently entered a not guilty plea before 9th West. Judicial Circuit Judge Tom Cooper

A trial date of July 23 was also scheduled.

The wreck was reported at 10:08 p.m. Feb. 9, Maroon was traveling south on U.S. Highway 71 south of Wilton when he crossed the center line and struck a 2011 Ford Focus driven by Jesus Rubio.

Rubio was pronounced dead at the scene by Little River County Coroner Roddy Smith.

Rubio's 4-year-old son and three other passengers were transported to hospitals in Texarkana. Jayden Fraire was pronounced dead at 2:11 a.m. on Feb. 10 by Dr. Marcus Smith at Christus St. Michael's in Texarkana.

According to the incident report, Maroon's blood was collected by Arkansas State Police Cpl. Chris Busse. Maroon's blood alcohol content was allegedly .20.

Maroon was arrested on March 19 and released on a $50,000 bond.

If convicted, Maroon could face 20 years in prison for each count and a maximum fine of $15,000.

The information document said a person commits negligent homicide for negligently causing the death of another person.

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