Tennessee Car Accident Claims One Life: Driver in Jail
A Madison County young woman was pronounced dead at the scene of a tragic Tennessee accident on February 11, 2012. Driving under the influence and vehicular homicide charges are leveled at the driver of the car she was riding in.
Early Saturday morning at 3:00 a.m., Matthew D. Richardson, 21, lost control of his Dodge Ram pickup truck at the intersection of Cotton Grove and Leepers Lane. His passenger, Humboldt resident Misty Dawn Poteete, 21, was killed instantly in the accident when the truck overturned and ejected both occupants, who were reportedly not wearing seat belts.
Richardson was treated at Jackson Madison County Hospital and released to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, while Poteet’s body rests at the Nashville Medical Examiner’s office until the cause of death is determined.
Richardson appeared in General Sessions Court on Monday before Judge Hugh Harvey. He is being held without bond on several charges: driving under the influence, vehicular homicide and violation of a Community Corrections probation warrant.
Richardson is not unknown to police. His rap sheet includes theft and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Poteete’s mother, Pamela, told WBBJ Eyewitness News that she hopes the accident will serve as a reminder to other young people. She said, “Please don’t drink and drive because you’re going to take away somebody’s little angel.”
She added that when Richardson arrived to pick up her daughter to go to a club, “He seemed very polite and he told me not to worry about Missy and he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He didn’t keep that promise.”
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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