NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) – A truck driver accused of crashing into a limo van carrying comedian Tracy Morgan, injuring him and killing one of his comic friends, pleaded not guilty Monday to aggravated manslaughter and other charges.
Kevin Roper was driving a Wal-Mart truck when the crash occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike in June 2014.
Roper entered his pleas during an arraignment hearing in New Brunswick. He’s also charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated assault.
Roper’s attorney, David Glassman, has claimed Wal-Mart’s settlement of Morgan’s lawsuit generated publicity that harmed the Jonesboro, Georgia, resident’s chance for a fair trial. He’s also seeking to have the charges against his client thrown out, and officials have said a hearing on that motion will likely be heard in April.
The crash killed comedian James McNair and seriously injured Morgan and two other passengers. Morgan, a former “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live” star, suffered brain trauma, broken ribs and a broken leg.