A Texarkana woman accused of being drunk when she caused a fatal collision with a motorcycle operator last year wants to be free of the financial burden that comes with the leg monitor she is required to wear as a condition of her bond.
Callie Jones, 58, appeared with Texarkana lawyer Joe Tyler for a pre-indictment hearing Wednesday afternoon before 102nd District Judge Bobby Lockhart at the Bi-State Justice Building in downtown Texarkana. During the hearing, Tyler asked Lockhart if there were any other conditions the court could impose in lieu of the electronic monitor Jones has been wearing since her release on bond following her arrest Sept. 3.
Tyler said the monthly payment for the monitor is a struggle for Jones and asked if she could be required to submit regular, random drug testing or some other measure. Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp said the state objects to the removal of Jones' leg monitor.
"She cost a man his life," Crisp said.
Lockhart told Tyler he would, "need to think about that," before rendering a decision on the monitor.
Crisp told Lockhart that the state and defense are not able to come to an agreement as to a plea agreement. Tyler requested that the case be referred to a Bowie County grand jury. If the grand jury indicts Jones for intoxication manslaughter, the case will proceed to trial.
Jones was allegedly drunk when she struck the motorcycle 29-year-old Skylar Crenshaw was driving, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account. Jones was driving south on Reading Avenue and stopped at a stop sign at New Boston Road in Texarkana, Texas, before continuing south on Reading. Jones allegedly failed to see Crenshaw, who was hurled into a utility pole support cable.
Crenshaw's arm was severed from his body and he died at the scene. When detectives arrived at the scene, they were allegedly told by paramedics and patrol officers that Jones smelled strongly of alcohol.
Jones allegedly told investigators she'd had "one or two beers," but when an officer went to her car to retrieve her driver's license, they observed a shot glass in the front cup holder, an open bud light can in the rear cup holder, and moisture in the floor "as if something had been spilled."
Jones consented to have her blood drawn at a local hospital and was asked to perform field sobriety tests. Jones performed poorly on sobriety tests at the hospital.
In the jail, Jones allegedly told officers she'd had "two or three beers," when asked what she had to drink. When asked how much, Jones allegedly said, "three or four beers." Jones allegedly admitted to having consumed gin on the morning of the crash.
Jones was given the opportunity to attempt field sobriety tests again at the jail. After nearly falling over, Jones allegedly said, "Y'all just do whatever y'all going to do to me."
Jones was not given a date to return to court but will be sent notice to appear if a grand jury indicts her. If indicted for intoxication manslaughter, Jones faces two to 20 years if convicted.