Prosecutors agreed today to bring out-of-town jurors to Chattanooga to hear the case of the 24-year-old bus driver charged with vehicular homicide in the Woodmore tragedy.
“I think it would be difficult for any citizen in Hamilton County to sit on this jury,” defense attorney Amanda Dunn said today. “So it’s really for the benefit of all the citizens, the state of Tennessee, and Mr. [Johnthony] Walker to have a fair and impartial jury.”
Dunn filed two motions in March after Walker, 24, was indicted on six counts of vehicular homicide, four counts of reckless aggravated assault, and one count each of reckless driving, reckless endangerment, and use of a portable electronic device by a school bus driver.
One called for prosecutors to turn over any evidence they intend to use at trial and the other asked for out-of-town jurors to hear Walker’s case because of extensive media coverage.
Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston agreed to both motions today in Criminal Court. He and Dunn will discuss where to draw jurors before Walker’s next appearance on July 20.