State v. Melton

Rex A. Melton appeals from a jury verdict of guilty of motor vehicle homicide and a maximum sentence imposed of 20 months’ to 5 years’ imprisonment.

On July 30,1989, Melton and his friend, Mark Padgett, were involved in a one-car accident. The car swerved;' careened off the Interstate; rolled twice, crushing the passenger side of the roof; and came to rest on its top. Witnesses who stopped were able to assist in pulling the defendant out of the vehicle; however, they were not able to free Padgett, who had been pinned between the roof and the dash of the car. The police and rescue squad arrived…