A dump truck driver who struck and killed a hospital chaplain in April was sentenced to two years' probation Tuesday.
Samantha Rivers, 25, of Warrenton, Ga., pleaded guilty to making an improper turn and no contest to vehicular homicide in the second degree, said her attorney, Pete Theodocion.
Richmond County State Court Judge David D. Watkins accepted the plea deal for the probation sentence, Mr. Theodocion said.
Ms. Rivers struck and killed Bill Snyder, 67, on April 28 on Jones Street near the end of River Watch Parkway. Mr. Snyder, who was a North Augusta minister and University Hospital chaplain, was driving his mo-ped.
"She just never saw him," Mr. Theodocion said. Ms. Rivers feels terrible about what happened, he said.
Judge Watkins told Ms. Rivers that he would suspend half of her $2,000 fine if she would donate that much for a memorial for Mr. Snyder.
The accident happened about 9:40 a.m. Ms. Rivers had dropped off a load of stone for the St. Sebastian Way road project. She turned right onto Jones Street and was trying to turn left into the Circle K station when she struck Mr. Snyder, Mr. Theodocion said.
Mr. Snyder had come up beside Ms. Rivers' truck and she couldn't see him, her attorney said.
According to an earlier report in The Augusta Chronicle, Mr. Snyder was on his way to a veterans' Bible study group.
Reach Sandy Hodson at (706) 823-3226 or sandy.hodson@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
Justus4 you are one screwed up person. I guess you can't believe in such a thing as an accident. I'm sorry but as a motorcycle driver I would have never got myself in that situation. As a motorcyclist you may have the law in you favor but as a person on a motorcycle/moped you always have to look out for your life on the road. I'm truly surprised at your comment because as I recall the driver of the truck was black the the moped driver was white. Your really confusing me now. LOL
I think this was the best sentence that could have happened, based on what we know of the case. It was an accident, pure and simple, with no malice intended. Prison is for the rehabilitation of criminals - this young lady was no criminal. She made an unfortunate mistake. I am glad she is able to continue with her life for she will never forget this.
The public demands someone, other than the dead person, be held responsible for the death. This sentence is about as good as it gets under these circumstances. If you ride two wheelers, remember, "who's at fault" is irrelevant if you're dead. Always assume the "big guy" is about to change lanes and can't see you. It's a matter of survival. Don't demand the right of way, when you're the smallest guy on the road you don't have one.
How much would it cost to go to trial and actually present evidence of "accident"---a legal defense?
Justus4, you are one disturbed individual. It must be horrible to be so unhappy and bitter in life.
An accident is an accident. That is why it is called an accident. Justus I think you just bait everyone with your comments. Judge Watkins did the right thing.
It seems those who agreed with the woman's punishment would be glad a judge used "empathy" in deciding her fate.
This accident was a terrible tragedy for everyone involved. My prayers are for all of them. Anyone who has ever been involved in an accident knows that that is exactly what it is - an accident. Things happen so fast. There were apparently no drugs or alcohol involved, just one ehicle a lot bigger than the other one. I'm sure if Ms. Rivers could turn back time she would. I am also sure that she is suffering, and wil continue to suffer, far more than any sentence the court could put upon her. Being a Christian, I am sure Mr. Snyder would have forgiven what happened. There but for the Grace of God go I.
Wonderfully said aninsider. Some words need no expression. Your reward is certainly in Heaven because your name is also written in THE LAMB BOOK OF LIFE!Be blessed and God bless the family.
justus is just a "seagull"....flies over and drops a load of slimey stuff and flies away....just ignore or chide.......
It was an accident. Period.
It is truly amazing at justus4's comments. Everyone else has valid comments. While I don't ride a motorcycle, I'm even more cautious in my car when around larger vehicles than I am. Accidents do happen.
common sense seldom equals "empathy", and NEVER when it's defined as our current administration does.
This type of incident can easily happen to anyone. People who take risks driving small vehicles should be more alert to the hazards of driving along side large vehicles. The "what if" factor wasn't used.
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