Scotty Dale Moss

The sister of a man killed in a drunk driving accident last October said she was “in utter shock” at the news of the driver being indicted.

“Words can’t express,” Kimberly Wood said. “… I’m proud that it’s finally gotten to this point.”

Wood’s brother, Lloyd Jason Crawford Reed, died Oct. 2, 2018, when the 1984 Chevrolet El Camino he was driving was struck head-on by a 2005 GMC Envoy driven by Scotty Dale Moss, 38, of Athens. Reed’s daughter, Mercedes, was in the vehicle with Reed.

Reed died at the scene of blunt force trauma. Mercedes was taken to Huntsville Hospital via MedFlight helicopter for treatment and lived.

Records show Moss was initially arrested the day after the wreck on charges of reckless murder and first-degree assault. On June 14, the Limestone County grand jury indicted Moss on three charges: reckless murder, first-degree assault and DUI (alcohol).

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for eight months,” Wood said.

She said Mercedes, who spent a week in the hospital and suffered anxiety attacks months after the wreck, still has some bad days but is getting better. Family members told The News Courier in April they believe the teenager survived because her dad realized they were about to crash and steered the car so he would receive the bulk of the impact.

In an incident narrative, Alabama State Troopers said Moss admitted he was distracted and had looked away from the road before impact. Troopers estimated his speed was 60 mph, while Reed was going 45 mph.

Moss told troopers he drank a pint of Fireball cinnamon whisky before getting behind the wheel, according to reports. The wreck occurred less than half a mile from his residence at the time on Zehner Road, 8 miles west of Athens.

Wood said the family will be placing a cross at the site of the wreck bearing Reed’s name, birthdate and death date. She said it’s been difficult to have the cross in her house as one more daily reminder of what her family has lost.

“There’s no amount of time he might serve that could replace Jason,” Wood said. “It can’t bring it back, but I hope it can bring a little peace of mind (if Moss is found guilty).”

At the time of the wreck, Moss was free on bond awaiting trial on a charge of chemical endangerment of a child. His trial had been rescheduled several times, but he was ultimately sentenced to one year in jail and given credit for time served.

Records show Moss was arrested June 20 on the indictment and released the same day. Bond on the reckless murder, assault and DUI charges was $35,000.

No trial date has been set.