BY KEITH EPPS
A Spotsylvania County man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with a May 20 crash that killed his passenger.
Jui Rudesee Shelton, 32, was directly indicted by a county grand jury this week. He is also charged with driving while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license, third offense.
According to court records, Shelton was driving south on Benchmark Road about 2:25 a.m. when he lost control of his Chevrolet Tahoe just north of Mine Road.
Police said the driver overcorrected after the vehicle ran off the right side of the road. The vehicle then crossed to the left side of the road and overturned.
The passenger, 34-year-old Marshall Mitchell of Lorton, was ejected from the vehicle, which then landed on him. Mitchell, who was not wearing a seat belt, was dead at the scene.
Shelton, who was injured in the crash, was initially charged with driving while intoxicated. Commonwealth's Attorney Bill Neely said the more serious charge was added after further investigation.
Neely said that Shelton, who was coming from a bar in downtown Fredericksburg, had a blood alcohol content of 0.16, twice the legal limit.
Shelton will be arraigned next Friday in Spotsylvania Circuit Court. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com
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