The man accused in the tragic double fatal crash that killed Hannah Parton and Arlene Velasquez in 2021 is going to trial after four years.
Jacob Stephens is charged with two counts of reckless murder and two counts of first-degree assault. Five others were injured in the crash.
Parton’s family has been fighting for justice for their 24-year-old daughter. They have also filed a civil lawsuit against Stephens, claiming he was drunk and speeding in a construction zone on Interstate 565 when he hit two vehicles on Nov. 27, 2021.
The civil case cannot continue until the criminal case is completed.
The family is also speaking with lawmakers about creating a statute to increase penalties and fines for anyone driving under the influence in a construction zone.
The trial has been rescheduled several times, frustrating Parton’s family.
Madison County District Attorney's Office chief deputy Tim Gann previously told 1819 News that unprecedented population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a backlog in criminal cases.
Now, jury selection is expected to begin in the Stephens case on Monday. Stephens has pleaded not guilty and is considered innocent until proven otherwise.
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