BY NANCY DRURY DUNCAN, Eastern Shore Post
A jury has cleared Jessica Greenley Waterfield, the Oak Hall resident whose vehicle killed a woman on Nocks Landing Road on April 12, 2023, of an involuntary manslaughter charge.
The jury in Accomack Circuit Court deliberated just under two hours before finding the 37-year-old Waterfield not guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Friday, March 29.
The jury found Waterfield guilty of careless driving, a misdemeanor. Substitute Judge Tanya Bullock ordered that a presentence report be prepared before Waterfield’s sentencing.
Erika Bailey, 27, of Parksley, was killed when she was hit by Waterfield’s vehicle. Injured were her boyfriend, Duane Lee Turner, and 6-year-old daughter.
Defense attorney Thomas Northam said criminal negligence required “a high degree of negligence,” beyond simple or ordinary negligence.
“Simple or ordinary negligence is not enough to convict of involuntary manslaughter, according to the statute,” he said.
See continuing coverage in Friday’s edition of the Eastern Shore Post.
