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

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The school bus driver charged in the crash that killed a student and teacher last week on I-80 was in court Friday, walking slowly, hunched over and in handcuffs and speaking softly in his first public appearance since the fatal tragedy. A judge ordered the driver to be held in jail until a detention hearing next week.

State Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor ordered Hudy Muldrow Sr., 77, of Woodland Park to be held at Morris County Detention Center until a detention hearing that's scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, at 9 a.m.

Muldrow appeared hobbled by possible injuries caused by the crash as he faced Taylor. In handcuffs, he slumped over as he took his seat at the desk in the front end of the courtroom. He appeared unable to stand and face the judge, sitting as soon as he reached the desk.

Muldrow spoke barely above a mumble and said “yes” when asked if he understands the charges against him, each "yes" growing slightly louder as the hearing went on. The judge also scheduled a 9 a.m. June 25 indictment hearing during the Friday proceedings.

Here is the video:

Muldrow faces two charges of death by auto, also known as vehicular homicide, in the deaths of student Miranda Vargas and teacher Jennifer Williamson Kennedy. If found guilty of those charges, Muldrow faces prison time of up to 10 years in prison on each charge. Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano said they expect to file additional charges for all of the non-fatal injuries.

He turned himself in to authorities Thursday morning after being released from the hospital. According to his son, Muldrow sustained injuries to his shoulder, stomach and leg, and underwent surgery.

Family members of the victims, including Kennedy's husband, Kevin, appeared in court before the proceedings (Kevin Kennedy is pictured on bottom left in white shirt). Kennedy sat quietly, mostly looking down at his lap. He spoke briefly with Troiano before the hearing began.

Muldrow's attorney, Matthew Reisig, was one of the first people to appear, and talked occasionally to family members in the standing-room-only courtroom. Reisig also spoke briefly to Troiano, but its not clear about what.

Willie Clark, an elder at Mt. Zion Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Jersey City where Muldrow is a member, appeared at a press conference after the hearing and said the bus driver looked "very broken" when he visited earlier this week.

"He was under the impression he didn't do anything wrong," Clark said, adding that the charges came as a surprise.

Clark also said he doesn't think the bus driver should be in jail.

"I don’t know what the law says, but I know he wouldn’t have had this happen for anything in the world," Clark said. "But, no. I don’t think he should go to jail."

Clark said Muldrow is a "good man" who regularly attends church, and that it's "just so unfortunate, but as we all know things do happen."

Officials say Muldrow caused the horrific crash when he cut the school bus across three lanes of Route 80 traffic in an attempt to reach an official use only turn-around point in the median. Through a lawyer, Muldrow has maintained his innocence.

"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," Muldrow's lawyer, Reisig said in a statement sent to Patch.

"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."

Reisig, wearing a dark pair of sunglasses and walking briskly, declined to talk to reporters as he left the courtroom.

Forty-five students, teachers and adults from East Brook Middle School in Paramus were onboard the bus, which was traveling to a school field trip at Waterloo Village in Byram Township, during the May 17 crash. In addition to two fatalities, there were 43 injuries.

"The full extent of the non-fatal injuries has yet to be determined but range from minor to multiple serious and potentially life-threatening injuries," Knapp said. At least one student is still in critical condition.

Muldrow 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.

With reporting by Dan Hubbard

Image via CBS2, used with permission