This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/grand-jury-decides-tony-stewart-will-not-face-criminal-charges-in-connection-with-kevin-ward-jrs-death/2014/09/24/1e20a1c0-3b79-46a9-8093-b8092e5e7962_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Grand jury decides Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges in connection with Kevin Ward Jr.’s death | Grand jury decides Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges in connection with Kevin Ward Jr.’s death |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A grand jury in New York has decided that NASCAR driver Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges in connection with the death of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. The Ontario County, N.Y., grand jury made its determination Wednesday morning, and a representative from the sheriff’s office announced the decision at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. | A grand jury in New York has decided that NASCAR driver Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges in connection with the death of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. The Ontario County, N.Y., grand jury made its determination Wednesday morning, and a representative from the sheriff’s office announced the decision at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. |
| Ward was killed during a dirt-track race in upstate New York on Aug. 9 when Stewart ran over Ward, who had exited his racecar and was walking on the track. The incident caused many to question NASCAR safety standards, which the organization has since updated, requiring drivers to stay in their vehicles after a crash until they are told it is safe to exit. | Ward was killed during a dirt-track race in upstate New York on Aug. 9 when Stewart ran over Ward, who had exited his racecar and was walking on the track. The incident caused many to question NASCAR safety standards, which the organization has since updated, requiring drivers to stay in their vehicles after a crash until they are told it is safe to exit. |
| According to Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo, Ward was under the influence of marijuana during the race. | According to Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo, Ward was under the influence of marijuana during the race. |
| Ontario County D.A. says Kevin Ward Jr. had enough marijuana in his system “to impair judgement” — Alex Dunbar (@AlexDunbarNews) September 24, 2014 | Ontario County D.A. says Kevin Ward Jr. had enough marijuana in his system “to impair judgement” — Alex Dunbar (@AlexDunbarNews) September 24, 2014 |
| Ontario County D.A. says Kevin Ward Jr. had enough marijuana in his system “to impair judgement” | Ontario County D.A. says Kevin Ward Jr. had enough marijuana in his system “to impair judgement” |
| — Alex Dunbar (@AlexDunbarNews) September 24, 2014 | — Alex Dunbar (@AlexDunbarNews) September 24, 2014 |
| Stewart was not tested for anything, however, Tantillo said. | Stewart was not tested for anything, however, Tantillo said. |
| Tantillo said the grand jury heard testimony from more than two dozen witnesses, including racecar drivers, employees of and volunteers at the race track, two accident reconstructionists, medical personnel and police. Stewart had the opportunity to testify, but Tantillo would not say whether he testified or not. The jury also reviewed photographs, videos and other evidence, Tantillo said, adding that after they heard everything, the group deliberated the case for less than an hour before rendering their decision. | Tantillo said the grand jury heard testimony from more than two dozen witnesses, including racecar drivers, employees of and volunteers at the race track, two accident reconstructionists, medical personnel and police. Stewart had the opportunity to testify, but Tantillo would not say whether he testified or not. The jury also reviewed photographs, videos and other evidence, Tantillo said, adding that after they heard everything, the group deliberated the case for less than an hour before rendering their decision. |
| “After listening to and questioning all the witnesses, the grand jury has determined there is no basis to charge Tony Stewart with any crimes,” Tantillo said. | “After listening to and questioning all the witnesses, the grand jury has determined there is no basis to charge Tony Stewart with any crimes,” Tantillo said. |
| After a brief absence from the circuit, Stewart began re-entering races in late August, but has stayed mostly quiet about the incident. He spoke briefly about it late last month before his first race back at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he noted his remorse before recusing himself from further questions citing the ongoing investigation. | After a brief absence from the circuit, Stewart began re-entering races in late August, but has stayed mostly quiet about the incident. He spoke briefly about it late last month before his first race back at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he noted his remorse before recusing himself from further questions citing the ongoing investigation. |
| On Wednesday, Stewart continued to express his remorse. After the grand jury determined he would not be charged, Stewart released the following statement: | On Wednesday, Stewart continued to express his remorse. After the grand jury determined he would not be charged, Stewart released the following statement: |
| “This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive. “I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known. “While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.” | |
| “This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive. | “This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive. |
| “I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known. | “I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known. |
| “While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.” | “While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.” |
| Stewart, meanwhile, is preparing for his next race, which is scheduled for Sunday. He’ll drive the his No. 14 Chevrolet in the AAA 400 at Dover. Stewart’s record has been shaky since his return. He placed 41st at Atlanta on Aug. 31, 15th at Richmond on Sept. 6, 18th at Chicago on Sept. 14 and 30th at New Hampshire on Sept. 21. He’s ranked 26th overall in the Sprint Cup standings with 609 points. | Stewart, meanwhile, is preparing for his next race, which is scheduled for Sunday. He’ll drive the his No. 14 Chevrolet in the AAA 400 at Dover. Stewart’s record has been shaky since his return. He placed 41st at Atlanta on Aug. 31, 15th at Richmond on Sept. 6, 18th at Chicago on Sept. 14 and 30th at New Hampshire on Sept. 21. He’s ranked 26th overall in the Sprint Cup standings with 609 points. |