UVALDE, Texas — The driver police say is responsible for a crash in Uvalde, Texas, in 2017 that claimed the lives of 13 people on Thursday morning entered a plea of no contest.
Jack Young, 21, is facing a total of 28 felony charges. On March 29, 2017, a pickup truck, driven by Young, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a shuttle bus carrying church-goers.
Young's attorney on Thursday morning said that after reviewing the evidence and participating in several discussions, the defense determined it was in Young's best interest to plead no contest to the intoxication manslaughter charges. Young told the judge he entered he was entering his plea freely and that he is aware of the consequences. A plea of no contest means he has given up his right to trial and has a limited right to refusal.
“This is what I need. My mom was closed casket. There was no option to say goodbye,” said Charlotte Banks, the daughter of one of the victims.
According to investigator, Young confessed to texting while driving along with being under the influence of prescription drugs, including Lexapro and Ambien. The Texas Department of Safety said troopers also found marijuana in Young’s truck.
The bus was carrying senior citizens who were parishioners on their way back to New Braunfels from a retreat. The collision killed all but one person inside the bus.
Young’s lawyers could strike a plea deal or go to trial. He faces 13 manslaughters charges, 13 intoxication manslaughter charges, as well as intoxication assault and aggravated assault charges.
Currently, Young has pled not guilty and is out on bond. He was briefly in jail earlier this month for violating a few terms of his pre-trial release program. Court documents said Young tested positive for THC, the active chemical in marijuana.
Spectrum Reporter Reena Diamante will be Uvalde, Texas covering the pre-trial hearing.
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