Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh Friday dismissed charges facing five teens in the death last weekend of a North Hall High School teacher during a school prank.
In a statement issued by Darragh he called what happened “a tragedy.”
He said there is no evidence that the driver of the pickup that struck Jason Hughes, Jayden Wallace, 18, was speeding or driving recklessly. And he noted that Wallace stopped the truck and he and the other students began helping Hughes.
“While my Office concurs with law enforcement that probable cause existed for the charges brought against the five students, it is my legal opinion that there is insufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt,” Darragh said.
Hughes’ family issued a statement earlier this week calling on Darragh to dismiss the charges: Wife of dead NHHS teacher, coach pleads for mercy for those connected to his death
Graham McKinnon, attorney for the Wallace family, issued a statement on their behalf Friday afternoon:
“Jayden Wallace and his family first want to thank Laura Hughes for her
remarkable compassion and spirit of forgiveness in the face of the
tremendous loss of her husband, Jason Hughes.
“As the family’s attorney, I join them in thanking the District Attorney’s office
of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit for completing a thorough investigation
and for the prompt decision to dismiss all criminal charges against Jayden
and the other students who were present. District Attorney Lee Darragh
was able to act swiftly because the facts and circumstances are not in
dispute.
“Jayden and his friends were participating in a competitive game outside the
home of their beloved teacher as part of a longtime junior-senior tradition at
North Hall High School. As he was leaving the home, Jayden never saw
Mr. Hughes, and Jayden’s vehicle had only traveled a few feet when the
accident occurred. Vehicular Homicide charges were not warranted
because Jayden never operated his truck in a dangerous, improper, or
unsafe manner. In the end, there was no crime – only an extremely sad
and devastating accident.
“Jayden is still grieving deeply but is determined to move forward eventually
to live a life that would make Jason Hughes proud.
“The Wallace family would also like to thank the North Hall community for
the prayers and loving support that have been offered to the Hughes and
Wallace families. Parents Jeremy and Kristen Wallace, along with their son
Jayden, also encourage donations to the GoFundMe account established
for the Hughes family as well as your continued prayers for Laura Hughes
and her children.”