Thursday, October 21, 1999
Driver pleads guilty in fatality
Friend killed in collision
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
When John Snyder got behind the wheel of his car after leaving a Colerain Township bar on April 15, he was planning to take his friend home.
Instead, the township resident drove about 150 feet and struck a flatbed truck on Blue Rock Road. His friend, Michael Anthony Davenport, 26, of Mount Healthy, died.
Wednesday, Mr. Snyder, 32, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide.
He faces a maximum five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. His license could be permanently revoked.
Prosecutors said at the time of the accident Mr. Snyder's blood alcohol level tested at 0.19, nearly twice the legal limit. He had no record of previous drunken driving offenses.
Two relatives and two friends of Mr. Davenport's sat across from Mr. Snyder's relatives as Mr. Snyder entered his plea before Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Mark Schweikert.
“His carelessness and irresponsibleness ruined our lives,” Mr. Davenport's moth er, Izetta Davenport of Mount Healthy, said outside the courtroom.
“I feel he should be made an example of about how to not drink and drive,” she said. “People should take something from this (because) it can cause death.”
Sandy Purcell of Colerain Township said her husband, Scott; Mr. Davenport; and Mr. Snyder all played on the same softball team. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Purcell had been friends since they were little boys, and were in each other's weddings.
“I appreciated the fact that he pleaded guilty just to get it over with,” said Mrs. Purcell, who patted Mr. Snyder on the back as she left the courtroom.
Standing outside the courtroom with his family, Mr. Snyder declined to comment.
The accident occurred about 1:30 a.m. as the truck, northbound on Blue Rock, was turning right into a parking lot on Banning Road, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said.
Mr. Snyder was attempting to pass the truck when his car hit it, officials said.
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