Trial dates set for reckless murders, manslaughters

Published 9:27 am Friday, January 18, 2019

Trial dates are tentatively scheduled for four motorists charged with either reckless murder or reckless manslaughter following fatal wrecks that occurred in Limestone County in 2015 and 2016.

The trial dates could change depending on the schedules of the county’s two circuit judges and the district attorney’s office.

Reckless murder

Walter Lee Bowden, 41, of 26948 Ash Way, Athens, is charged with DUI and reckless murder in connection with a July 19, 2015, fatal wreck 2 miles south of Ardmore on Alabama 251. Thomas Siniard, a passenger in Bowden’s 2013 Dodge, died from his injuries. His trial is scheduled for March 25.

Christina Marie Beck, 42, of 243 Waters Edge Lane, Madison, is charged with DUI and reckless murder in the April 21, 2016, wreck that killed her 5-year-old son, Eli Beck, who was a passenger in her rental car. Limestone County Coroner Mike West said it appeared Beck lost control of her car as she was crossing a bridge and slid into the path of an oncoming utility van. It was raining at the time, but West did not know if that was a factor. Although Beck’s son was wearing a seatbelt, he was not in a child restraint. Her trial is set for April 15.

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Reckless manslaughter

Stanley Gerrod Wiggins, 30, of 12082 Southern Charm Boulevard, Madison, is charged with reckless manslaughter in connection with an Oct. 12, 2016, fatal wreck. He was one of two drivers in a two-car crash on Interstate 65, about 2 miles south of Athens. The other driver, 54-year-old Susan T. Wilson, died from injuries suffered in the wreck. His trial is scheduled for May 6.

John Lawson Oden, 71, of 539 Forman Bottom Road, Somerville, is charged with reckless manslaughter in an Aug. 11, 2015, wreck at U.S. 31 and Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road. Police said Oden, who was southbound on U.S. 31 in a log truck, ran a stoplight and hit an eastbound commercial van driven by 68-year-old Clyde Paul Crawford. His trial is set for Aug. 12.