Ex-Raider Henry Ruggs' hearing in fatal crash case delayed
A court date has been reset in the criminal case accusing ex-Las Vegas Raiders player Henry Ruggs of driving drunk and causing a high-speed crash that killed a woman last November
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A Las Vegas judge agreed Thursday to postpone hearing evidence in the criminal case accusing ex-Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs of driving drunk and causing a high-speed crash that killed a woman last November.
Ruggs’ defense attorney, David Chesnoff, asked for more time to examine evidence that police say shows Ruggs was driving 156 mph (251 kph) with a blood-alcohol level twice the Nevada legal limit before the fiery rear-end crash early Nov. 2 that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor in her vehicle, Prosecutors did not oppose the delay.
Justice of the Peace Ann Zimmerman set a new date, May 19, for the hearing at which she'll determine whether Ruggs will stand trial in state court on felony driving under the influence and reckless driving charges.
Ruggs faces a mandatory two years in prison and maybe more than 50 years if he’s convicted. He also is charged with misdemeanor gun possession after police reported finding a loaded handgun on the floor of his demolished Chevrolet Corvette.
The 23-year-old former first-round NFL draft pick didn’t have to appear with Chesnoff in court. He remains on house arrest with electronic GPS and alcohol monitors.
Ruggs and his girlfriend, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, were hospitalized after the crash. The extent of their injuries has not been made public, although Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has said prosecutors were told Ruggs suffered a leg injury and Kilgo-Washington underwent arm surgery.
Kilgo-Washington’s attorney is fighting in court to prevent prosecutors from obtaining her medical records, which prosecutors need to prove the crash caused substantial bodily injury.
Ruggs wore a neck brace and remained seated in a wheelchair during his initial court appearance the day after the crash. By then, the Raiders had released him from the team.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.