(The Associated Press circulated the following story on January 13.)
TAMA, Iowa — Trial for a man charged in a crash that killed three motorcyclists is scheduled to begin today.
Gary Butler, 49, of Des Moines is charged with vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter in the June 22, 2002, accident.
Arlen Pickering, 53, of Story City; Douglas Sampson, 51, of Ames; and Ross Holland, 57, of Boone were killed in the crash. Three other motorcyclists were injured.
Butler’s vehicle reportedly crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 30 near Chelsea, the Iowa State Patrol said.
Butler worked for Armadillo Express and was driving toward Boone after dropping off a Union Pacific Railroad crew in Lowden. It’s believed he fell asleep.
Butler faces up to 61 years in prison if convicted.
Wrongful death lawsuits have also been filed against Butler, Union Pacific and Armadillo Express by the wives of the men who were killed.