Trial delayed for driver charged in traffic deaths

7/18/2009

BOWLING GREEN A McClure, Ohio, man charged with causing a two-car crash that killed a Weston couple will get a new lawyer and trial date.

Wood County Common Pleas Judge Alan Mayberry yesterday granted a motion by attorney Matthew Fech to withdraw from Cory Mendoza s case. In his motion, Mr. Fech cited a breakdown in communication with his client.

Judge Mayberry vacated the Aug. 31 trial date and made plans to appoint new counsel for Mr. Mendoza, 20, who is charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, and other charges related to the Oct. 5 crash.

Prosecutors say Mr. Mendoza was intoxicated when his car slammed into the rear of a minivan driven by Shelen Stevens, 43, of Weston as both vehicles were westbound on Sand Ridge Road west of Bowling Green. Ms. Stevens parents, William and Sharon DeWitt, both 69 and passengers in the van, were pronounced dead at the scene.