Trial beginning for driver that killed the FM fans

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

If alcohol is involved, some states will presume intent from the choice to drive under the influence and then bump it up from manslaughter, but it is, I think, a rare occurence.

I might be saying something rash, but I think that might be a good idea. What do y'all think?

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by Lux

I think it's too circumstantial to be universal. There are a hundred other factors to consider usually and in this particular case it apears to be leaning toward the car model's petrol tank position. Also 'murder' implies intent. Drunken driving is usually carelessness, not an intention to murder.

Yes, but people should be aware that they're likely to kill someone if they drive drunk. But I think we live in a society in which people think it's very possible to get away with driving drunk without causing any problems, usually because people think they know their limits and such. I don't know how to solve that problem. But for the first reason you mentioned (and many other that I'm sure I'm not even aware of) I can see why it can't be a universal thing. But maybe it would work in some cases?

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

Lives were taken by this man. Not a time to joke.

I know the lives being taken isnt a joke, but i think whoever started the thread saying stuff like the "fleetwood mac fan" trial. I think that was funny and that person was kind of the one making a joke, I was just making fun of that.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I know the lives being taken isnt a joke, but i think whoever started the thread saying stuff like the "fleetwood mac fan" trial. I think that was funny and that person was kind of the one making a joke, I was just making fun of that.

Raises hand - thread starter here! And NO, I MOST CERTAINLY WAS NOT MAKING A JOKE!!!

Many of us heard about the accident when it occurred, and I was merely giving those who gave a sh*t an update.

[DownOnRodeo]

All this talk of which offence applies is a bit confusing because the technical definitions of the various forms of homocide are gonna be pretty different not only between Australia and the US, but even just among different states.

[Mari]

Originally Posted by GateandGarden

Yes, but people should be aware that they're likely to kill someone if they drive drunk. But I think we live in a society in which people think it's very possible to get away with driving drunk without causing any problems, usually because people think they know their limits and such. I don't know how to solve that problem. But for the first reason you mentioned (and many other that I'm sure I'm not even aware of) I can see why it can't be a universal thing. But maybe it would work in some cases?

People can drive very carelessly without being drunk too, and cause accidents. Sure, alcohol increases the chance of an accident, but it starts with the carelesness of the driver.

hm. Just for comparison, if you kill someone when driving under the influence (or not), in this country, you loose your drivers licence, and maybe have to do some community service work. Way too easy, I think!
< personal rant >
A late uncle of mine had his license taken away after driving under influence and causing an accident.. I think that was way too easy. And the other side of the coin I know too, my sister was killed by a careless driver. I know that kid felt incredibly guilty and all, but still each time I see those young guys driving like madmen it makes me really angry. They've no idea what harm they could do. And when they do find out, it's usually too late. < /personal rant >
I really feel for the family of those three women, wishing them all the strength to get through this.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Livia

Raises hand - thread starter here! And NO, I MOST CERTAINLY WAS NOT MAKING A JOKE!!!

Many of us heard about the accident when it occurred, and I was merely giving those who gave a sh*t an update.

not you, I think it was SpyNote over in Chit-Chat. Im sure he wasmt making a joke either, but still h etitled it something like the The Fleetwood Mac fan case guy is guilty. I just thought it was funny if that was REALLY the angle the lawyers and judges were focusing on.

[xdreamsunwindx]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

im sure the deciding factor for the Jury was the Fleetwood Mac factor. Without the fact they were mac fans this guy would've walked

Oh, that's nice. Joking about people losing their lives because of some drunk ****ing prick. Real nice.

[thepoetinmyhear]

Whoa, folks need to stop harping on Hawkeye and real quick. Different people, different response mechanisms. Not to mention no jokes were made about the loss of life or the tragedy, merely the angle that was taken in reporting the court case.

I don't think anyone is saying this is not a huge tragedy and loss of life under any circumstance is sad. Let's just get along.

[tynan88]

Yer I think that is a bit harsh and found it quite funny that the fcus was that they were Mac fans too...no one is doubting the tragedy, just find it at best interesting the perspective that is taken.

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by thepoetinmyhear

Whoa, folks need to stop harping on Hawkeye and real quick. Different people, different response mechanisms. Not to mention no jokes were made about the loss of life or the tragedy, merely the angle that was taken in reporting the court case.

I don't think anyone is saying this is not a huge tragedy and loss of life under any circumstance is sad. Let's just get along.

I agree with you.

[dreams]

I also live in Greensboro and was in the traffic that night. Still there are flowers for the girls under the overpass where it happened. One of the girls (the one that was Dale Jarrett's crew chief's wife, and a former runner up to Miss NC) had a year old son, who she did not think she would be able to ever have, because she had lived through a heart transplant) One was only 16 years old and this was her first concert and night on the town with her sisters. The limo driver said that right before they were crashed into, the girls had him put on a Fleetwood Mac cd. That has so haunted me. I was really, really surprised that the fan community never even sent the families a card or anything (that I know of anyway) knowing the warmth and cohesiveness of FM fans. I had wondered if the band even knew, but I did read a quote by Stevie a little while back about being asked who did she lean on when depressed, and she said her brother Chris, and that he was there for her when she was extremely sad and upset about the fans in the accident in Greensboro. I think if anything, the fact that the girls or the trial refers to being Fleetwood Mac fans makes it all that much more poignant. I seldom ever post, but I thought you all might like a bit more info, and those that wish to still send warm thoughts and prayers out to the families.



On a liter note ~ Hi to the NC and Greensboro folks on the board, and you all are invited to my Fleetwood Mac wedding in two weeks, June 11!!@ It's called..... what else? "Say You Will" !!

[Bumperke]

The guy who drove has to deal with a bad karma. He will punsih himself, if not now, maybe some other time.
Killing 3 women, while he was drunk.,,, bad, bad karma.
My thoughts go out to family,friends.

Will, maybe??