OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) – An Oconto man plead not guilty on Thursday to actions that lead to a fatal vehicle crash.
Eric Solomon faces six charges, including being party to homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, after he allegedly grabbed the steering wheel during an argument while his girlfriend was driving, which caused a September 11 crash in Abrams that killed Cory Folts.
Court records show that an April 3 trial was scheduled at Thursday’s arraignment.
The driver, Kelly Crispin, is facing charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, and second-degree reckless homicide.
Crispin was also in court on Thursday, but no trial has been set and a final conference is scheduled for January 17, according to court records.
The complaint states “Crispin told police she told Solomon that she did not want to date anymore as they were in a ‘toxic relationship.’ Crispin stated Solomon got upset and punched her in the right temple. Solomon then grabbed the steering wheel and jerked the wheel. Crispin said the next thing she knew they were heading straight for another vehicle on the other side of the highway and then the airbag hit her in the chest. Crispin stated she believed that Solomon’s intention was to kill her and him when he grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it.”
According to the complaint, Solomon told police he did not remember striking Crispin or grabbing the wheel.
Both had blood alcohol levels above the legal driving limit based off preliminary breath tests, which are not admissible in court.
