LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The trial for the man charged with hitting a Kansas family with his car in downtown Louisville began Tuesday.
Police said Michael Hurley admitted to taking hydrocodone before hitting the Jones family, who were on the sidewalk at 2nd and Market Streets, with his vehicle in July 2022.
The father, Trey Jones, died from his injuries two days after the incident. His wife, Amy, and daughter, Ava, were hospitalized for six weeks.
The family was in town for Ava's basketball tournament.
On Tuesday, prosecutors revealed that Hurley had 10 ng/mL of fentanyl in his blood at the time of his arrest; 7 ng/mL is considered a fatal dose.
“This isn’t his first rodeo with fentanyl," said Prosecutor Scott Drabenstadt. “Extreme indifference to other people, disregarding the safety of others.”
Evidence shown by Drabenstadt showed the jury Hurley's car driving onto Market Street, swerving, and suddenly stopping in the middle of the road, moments before police say he hit the Jones' family.
Hurley can be heard on LMPD body camera footage saying: "I was just so tired that I ended up just going straight."
"You're not going to hear any evidence at any point that when Mr. Hurley got behind that wheel it was his intention for this to happen," said Defense Attorney Jordan Potts.
Two LMPD officers who were on the scene the day of the accident took the stand Tuesday.
Officer Nicholas Greene said Hurley appeared to be sleeping while EMTs worked to help the Jones' family.
"Trying to close his eyes the entire time we were there…trying to close his eyes, nodding off, his body was swaying," he said.
Potts pushed back.
"With your experience you can also say maybe he's just dealing with what just happened, right?" he asked.
Greene responded with "maybe."
The wife and daughter of Trey Jones are expected to testify this week.
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