By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A Hamilton County judge's decision to postpone the vehicular homicide trial of an Evansville, Ind., paraplegic brought tears and anger Tuesday from family members of those who died or were injured in the 2001 accident in front of Paul Brown Stadium.

"I don't have words to describe how angry I am right now," said Jami Henderson, who along with five others was struck by a runaway SUV while crossing Second Street to attend her first Bengals' game.

"To keep making this go on and on - it keeps opening a wound," added her father, Ed Henderson of Jackson, Ohio.

The two were reacting to an order by Common Pleas Judge Robert Kraft approving a December competency hearing for Darrin Stafford, 31.

On Nov. 18, 2001, Mr. Stafford, who is paralyzed from the waist down, allegedly lost control of a 1999 Kia Sportage that was unequipped for his disability. The vehicle ran a stoplight and plowed into six people as they crossed a street in front of the stadium.

Fifteen-year-old Scott Asbrock of Mason was killed. His family members, who have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mr. Stafford, wept following the judge's decision.

Tuesday was to have been the beginning of Mr. Stafford's jury trial on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. But Monday, his attorney, Bryan Perkins, filed a motion suggesting that his client is not competent to stand trial.

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Gerald Krumpelbeck said Tuesday that he was prepared to proceed with trial but did not object to the request for a psychological evaluation.

Stewart Williams of Middletown, who has a 2-year-old daughter with Ms. Henderson, was critically injured in the incident. The 22-year-old spent more than five months in the hospital as a result of his injuries, which included severe brain damage. He now walks with a cane.

"I don't like it," he said.

Ms. Henderson said other victims' family members had traveled from as far away as South Carolina and Colorado to attend.

Mr. Stafford's co-defendant, Frederick Shipman, 44, also of Evansville, could go to trial next week.

Mr. Shipman, who owned the SUV, was in the passenger seat when the accident occurred. He is charged with complicity to Mr. Stafford's actions and recklessness for allowing Mr. Stafford to drive.

Officials said Mr. Shipman, who had been drinking, was too tired to complete the trip from their home to Cincinnati for the Bengals' game.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com