Titans tight end Delanie Walker has become a crusader for tougher DUI laws this offseason, after his aunt and uncle were killed in a car accident involving an accused drunk driver.
And he may soon be able to get some closure on that process, as prosecutors in the case expect a plea deal before it goes to trial, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports.
Nechole Thomas is scheduled to appear Aug. 21 in St. Charles Parish District Court (near New Orleans). She was arrested on four charges — two counts of vehicular homicide, one count of driving while intoxicated and one count of reckless operation of a motor vehicle — following the wreck that killed Walker’s aunt and uncle, Alice and Bryan Young.
Walker said he and other family members planned to be on hand when the case was resolved.
The Youngs had just watched Walker play in the Super Bowl for the 49ers, and were killed when Thomas’ car hit their car which was stopped on the side of Interstate 10 and caught on fire.
“If we haven’t worked out a plea, then we’ll move forward in the setting of a trial before the end of the year,” St. Charles Parish District assistant district attorney Bill Starr said. “But I don’t think this is going to trial.”
The two vehicular homicide charges carry minimum sentences of five years in jail, and because that charge is considered a “crime of violence,” at least 85 percent of the sentence has to be served.