School Bus Driver In Fatal NJ Crash Is Innocent, Lawyer Says

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — The driver involved in last week's fatal bus crash on I-80 is innocent, his lawyer said in a statement sent to Patch on Thursday night. The driver, through his attorney, also offered thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

Hudy Muldrow Sr., 77, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, also known as vehicular homicide, in connection to the school bus crash that killed a student and a teacher and injured 43 others. His lawyer, Matthew Reisig, said his client is "presumed innocent of his charges."

Read more: Bus Driver In Fatal NJ Crash Ordered To Stay In Jail (Video)

"Last Thursday’s accident is a truly tragic event. We mourn the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers are with the families so affected. Likewise, that extends to all those that were injured in this accident," Reisig said in a statement.

"Mr. Muldrow is presumed innocent of his charges. While we understand that this accident and its tragic consequences are a matter of considerable public interest, my client has faith in the criminal justice system and reiterates his presumption of innocence."

Officials say Muldrow attempted to cut across three lanes of Route 80 traffic in an attempt to reach an official use only turn-around point in the median when the bus caravan he was driving in missed the turn for their destination, a fifth grade class field trip for East Brook Middle School in Paramus. The other two buses in the caravan safely arrived at Waterloo Village in Byram Township.

Muldrow's son, Hud Muldrow, Jr., previously told CBS2 that his father was sorry people had gotten hurt, but defended his driving skills.

"That's the truth. He is a good driver," Muldrow Jr. told NJ.com. Muldrow Jr. could not be immediately reached for comment for Patch.

Muldrow Sr. has a long history of driving trouble, the state Motor Vehicle Commission confirmed, including 14 license suspensions.

Despite his record, Muldrow still managed to have a commercial driver's license with valid passenger and school bus endorsements, Commission spokesperson Mairin Bellack said. Paramus officials have said they were unaware of his driving record.

Katie Kausch photo of Muldrow