(File)
WACO (October 1, 2012)--Jury selection was underway Monday in the trial of Jacob Scott Turner, 27, of Waco, who is charged with manslaughter in connection with a deadly traffic accident.
Turner is charged in the death of Peggy Jean Cantrell, 64, who died on July 21, 2011 after Turner’s 2006 Ford Explorer struck her 2002 Dodge Neon as she attempted to turn left onto New Road from Bosque Boulevard in Waco.
The collision was so violent that the gas tank of Cantrell’s car ruptured and caught fire.
The car and the SUV came to rest about 30 feet from the point of impact.
A bystander used a fire extinguisher to put out the fuel tank fire.
An investigation shows that Turner was traveling at a speed more than twice the legal limit of 35 miles per hour when his Explorer struck Cantrell's vehicle.
Turner turned himself in on Aug. 5, 2011, after Waco municipal Judge Chris Taylor issued an arrest warrant.
He was later released after posting $75,000 bond.
Turner was also charged with a parole violation, but that is not at issue in this trial.
