Trial Scheduled For ShopRite Driver In Deadly Crash On Route 24

BEL AIR, MD — One year after a ShopRite truck caused a 12-vehicle crash that killed two in Bel Air, a trial has been scheduled for the driver. After two hearings about a potential change of venue, a judge ruled the case would be heard in Harford County.

The trial will begin Sept. 21, according to court records.

Carloo Everton Watson, 50, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, is charged with manslaughter and other offenses stemming from the crash on MD 24 at Ring Factory Road that occurred March 11, 2019.

Related:

• ShopRite Truck Driver Trial Will Remain In Harford County
• Driver In Deadly ShopRite Crash Wants Change Of Venue: Report

After a months-long investigation, Watson was indicted in August on two counts of negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle, two counts of criminal negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle, and four counts of using a cell phone while driving, resulting in serious injury or death. He was released two days later after posting $375,000 bond, court records show.

Police said Watson crashed into 11 other vehicles while driving a ShopRite tractor-trailer along MD 24 near Ring Factory Road one year ago. The tractor-trailer caught fire at the intersection, as did two vehicles pinned underneath it.

Andrew Klein, 65, philanthropist and owner of Klein's ShopRite, was pronounced dead at the scene, where his vehicle was one of two caught under the tractor-trailer Watson was driving.

Tripp Johnson, 7, a student at William Paca/Old Post Elementary known for being happy and fun-loving, died at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. Johnson and his mother were in one of the nine cars hit in the crash that did not catch fire, according to police.

See Also:

• Tripp Johnson Memorial Coming To William Paca/Old Post Elementary
• Supermarket Owner Killed In Bel Air Crash Mourned By Community

Attorneys anticipate the trial will last two weeks, including one week for jury selection. Retired Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Daniels said panels of at least 100 jurors would be needed.

Under sentencing guidelines for Maryland, Watson could face a maximum of 30 years total in prison if convicted at trial.

The negligent manslaughter charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration with a $5,000 fine; criminally negligent manslaughter has a penalty of three years in prison with a $5,000 fine; and the cell phone usage charges come with a maximum penalty of one-year in prison with a $5,000 fine, according to the state's attorney.