Craddock trial moved to January

Published 9:39 am Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The trial of a man charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter in connection with a DWI case resulting in the death of another man is now set for Jan. 25, more than a year after the fatal collision.

The Charlotte County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office said the trial of Tyree Craddock — originally set for Dec. 14 — has been moved to January because two witnesses would not be available until then.

Charlotte County authorities initially arrested Craddock, 59, of Red Oak, on Dec. 19, 2015, the night his 1993 Chevy S10 reportedly ran off the right side of Route 608 one-half mile east of Route 633. Craddock, allegedly drunk, overcorrected and crossed the centerline, hitting a 1998 Mitsubishi head on, killing Irving L. Goode, 46, of Wylliesburg. A female adult passenger and two male juveniles in the Mitsubishi were injured.

The Virginia State Police (VSP) took seven months to investigate the collision. The first hearing on Craddock’s DWI charge took place on Feb. 4. Prosecutors nolle prossed the charge, temporarily dismissing it, while waiting for the VSP to complete its investigation.

After amassing further evidence, including a medical examiner’s report, prosecutors sent the case to a grand jury, which indicted Craddock of the aggravated involuntary manslaughter charge on June 8. Craddock turned himself in to prison two days later, on June 10.

According to previous information provided to the Gazette, if convicted, Craddock could face up to a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

When he turned himself in, prosecutors also re-charged Craddock with DWI, first offense.