JONESBORO, Ark. — A Paragould resident faces a felony negligent homicide charge after Arkansas State Police said toxicology testing detected methamphetamine and amphetamine in his blood following a fatal January crash near Brookland.
Larry Gene Ray, 57, appeared Friday, Aug. 7, before Circuit Judge Tommy Fowler, who set his bond at $100,000 cash or surety. Ray was arrested Aug. 4 by the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office.
Ray is charged with Class B felony negligent homicide. He also faces misdemeanor charges of first-offense driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence and obstructing governmental operations.
The negligent homicide charge carries a possible sentence of five to 20 years in prison.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the Brookland Police Department requested assistance from ASP following a fatal traffic crash Jan. 21 on U.S. Highway 49.
Officers told the ASP investigator that witnesses reported the driver and passenger of a Ford F-150 switched seats after the crash. Witnesses also allegedly saw both males attempting to conceal an item in tall grass near the truck.
Two witnesses identified Ray, who was reportedly wearing a brown jacket, as the driver at the time of the crash, the affidavit states.
During a search of the grass, the investigator reported finding a plastic package containing a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana. An empty package with an identical appearance was allegedly found inside the truck.
Ray was detained and transported to St. Bernards Medical Center, where a blood sample was collected under a search warrant. The sample was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for toxicological testing.
The investigator received the results June 1. The testing detected amphetamine, methamphetamine and dextromethorphan in Ray’s blood, according to the affidavit.
Ray appeared Friday with attorney Randel Miller, with members of Ray’s family also present in the courtroom. Ray shook his head as Fowler discussed the allegation of driving while intoxicated by drugs.
Miller argued that the negligent homicide charge was based on negligent conduct rather than intentional criminal conduct. He asked Fowler to consider setting bond between $15,000 and $20,000.
Fowler said he had received recommendations from prosecutors, ASP and Brookland officers ranging from $75,000 to $250,000. The judge noted that Ray had no prior DWI or alcohol-related charges but added, “This isn’t DWI alcohol. It’s DWI drugs.”
Fowler also cited a recent negligent homicide case in Poinsett County in which Judge Richardson set a $100,000 cash-or-surety bond. Fowler ultimately set Ray’s bond at the same amount.
Ray’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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