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Fatal Hit and Run Accident Could Result in Changes to the Kentucky Law

Shannon Houser was found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with physical evidence in the crash that killed Connie Blount, an 18-year-old University of Kentucky student.   Blount was struck by Houser’s truck when she attempted to cross Broadway.  The accident occurred on the morning of April 13, 2008.

Police said that Houser, a 37-year-old man from Lexington, removed the grill and bumper on his truck, but his defense attorneys said that he didn’t try to alter, hide or destroy it.  Jurors recommended that Houser serve six years in jail.  The sentencing has been set for March 6 by Judge James Ishmael.

Lexington’s top prosecutor stated that Houser’s case has him looking at ways to change the laws in Kentucky.

“The law basically encourages people to leave the scene of an accident and go sober up if they were under the influence before turning themselves in,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Larson.

Larson said that progress has been made on the law after Blount’s death.

“At the time of this crime, leaving the scene of an accident was a violation, less than a misdemeanor,” said Larson.

Blount’s father, Jack Blount, has made it his mission to change the Kentucky law.  Credit has been given to him for changing the law so that leaving the scene of a fatal hit and run accident is now a felony and if the driver is found guilty, he or she faces 5 years in jail.  However, Jack Blount believes that this change is only a start and is not good enough.

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