OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama prosecutor asked a judge Friday to revoke the bond of a teenager charged in the crash that killed Auburn University broadcaster Rod Bramblett and his wife earlier this year.
The Lee County district attorney’s office alleged continued unsafe driving as it asked a court to jail Johnston Edward Taylor, 16, of Auburn, news outlets reported.
Taylor is out on bond while charged with reckless manslaughter in the death of Bramblett and his wife, Paula, in May.
Authorities allege Taylor was driving around 90 mph (145 kph) in a 55 mph (89 kph) zone when he rear-ended the Bramblett s’ vehicle in Auburn. Documents filed by prosecutors said Taylor received at least three tickets in November for speeding and reckless driving.
Officers smelled marijuana and found marijuana residue in Taylor’s vehicle during one stop, the request said.
Defense attorney Tommy Spina said Taylor is “a very troubled young man” who needs help. Spina said he wasn’t aware of the additional traffic tickets until prosecutors asked to revoke his bond.
“There are no excuses or blame shifting that would condone this behavior. I believe the DA is doing exactly what he should do under the circumstances,” Spina said in a statement.
Rod Bramblett had been Auburn’s football and men’s basketball announcer since 2003, and had called baseball games since 1993.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.