UPDATE Tuesday, November 7
The sentencing for Whitney Baker Howard will be on November 29, 2017.
Grady Newsource will continue to update this story. Follow us on Twitter for the latest.
UPDATE Tuesday, October 31
Whitney Baker Howard is found guilty on 11 of 13 charges. She was found guilty of two counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree and six counts of serious injury by vehicle.
The family is currently not speaking with the media.
Grady Newsource will continue to update this story as we find out when the sentencing date will be announced. Follow us on Twitter for the latest.
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UPDATE Wednesday, October 25
“After she killed her?”
A quick response to the defense attorney from William Block, one of the several witnesses called to the witness stand today. The defense attorney had just asked Mr. Block whether he knew his client had given Ashley Block mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
The father of victim Ashley Block gave a teary testimony before Superior Court. Judge Eric Norris is presiding.
Opening statements began around 10 AM. Assistant District Attorney David Lock leads the state’s case. Attorney James Smith represents the defendant, Whitney Baker Howard.
During opening statements, Lock told the jury that he aims to prove Howard is not only guilty of all 13 charges against her, but also that she knew the effect drugs had on her and her driving.
Defense attorney James Smith said he intends to prove the crash was a tragic accident, caused by Howard using her cell phone.
Follow here to see Grady Newsource’s live twitter feed of the court proceedings today.
Grady Newsource will continue to update this story.
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As of Tuesday morning, the court is still selecting the jury for the Whitney Baker Howard trial. The jury selection started yesterday and is expected to go on throughout the rest of this week. Grady Newsource reporters have permission from Judge Norris to have cameras in the courtroom for this trial. We will keep you updated on this case throughout the week.
Grady Newsource has complied major moments from the Whitney Baker Howard trial.
This case begins on September 12 of 2016. That night 31-year-old Whitney Baker Howard was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide after reportedly swerving into a group of cyclists. 25-year-old graduate student Ashley Block died as a result of the accident. Howard faces 11 other charges, including driving under the influence of drugs and endangering the life of a child, as her child was in the backseat of the car at the time.
Grady Newsource has filed for permission to have cameras in the courtroom for Monday’s trial. We are waiting to hear back from Judge Norris at this time.
