Insufficient Evidence Means No Felony Charges in Fatal St. Cloud Crash
FOLEY -- A semi driver from Owatonna, who rear-ended a taxi cab in St. Cloud where two people died, won't face the most serious criminal charges.
Benton County Attorney Philip Miller issued a statement indicating there wasn't sufficient evidence in the case to charge James Cockram with felony Criminal Vehicular Homicide. However, Miller says the case has been referred to the city of St. Cloud for possible lesser charges.
The St. Cloud City Attorney's Office tells WJON News they have not received the case yet, and as a result cannot comment on it.
The 61-year-old Cockram was driving the big rig on Highway 10 when he rear-ended the taxi which was waiting at a red light. The crash happened at the intersection of Highway 10 and East St. Germain Street in St. Cloud March 18th.
The crash killed the cab driver, 66-year-old Thomas Findlay of Sartell and a passenger, 22-year-old Emily LeTourneau of Big Lake. Another passenger, a 24-year-old New Hope woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. Cloud Hospital.
The State Patrol said at the time there was no indication Cockram took any action to avoid the collision.