A Delaware man who was allegedly drunk and speeding when he caused a fatal crash last year was released from jail Tuesday.
Kevin M. Wilson, 63, is accused of speeding through a red light at Route 54 and Harding Highway in Buena Boro, and striking a vehicle that had started through the green light.
Ada Roman, 36, of Vineland, died as a result.
An investigation into the June 24 crash led to an aggravated manslaughter charge and Wilson's arrest last week.
Indications that Wilson was going more than 30 miles an hour above the speed limit, was intoxicated and that the light had been red led to the manslaughter charge rather than vehicular homicide, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy told the judge at a detention hearing Tuesday.
The public safety assessment, used to determine whether a defendant is held under bail reform, recommended Wilson be held.
Defense attorney Robert Wolf argued that his client has no criminal history and is an Air Force veteran with a 40-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. Wilson has been married to his wife for 40 years, and the two are primary caregivers for their 5-year-old granddaughter.
Wilson also turned himself in after he was alerted to the charges.
Judge Joseph Levin said he could fashion conditions that would allow Wilson's release, including that he cannot drive.
Wolf asked that, instead, an ignition interlock could be installed, which requires someone to perform breath test before the vehicle will start.
The judge declined, saying that Wilson's "driving record is horrendous, including driving while suspended and a previous driving under the influence.
"I prefer to put a condition that he simply cannot drive," Levin said.
Levy also noted that Wilson's driving issues are not all alcohol-related, noting excessive speeding and failure to maintain lane.
He allegedly hit speeds of nearly 76 mph in the 40 mph zone, and was going 62.1 mph when the crash occurred. His blood-alcohol content was .09, according to the charges.
He also was given a citation for having an open container in the car, court records show.
Wolf noted that was not far off the .08 limit to indicate drunken driving.
Wilson had at least one more driving citation since the fatal crash, according to court records.
He was issued a ticket for careless driving July 8 in Buena Vista Township. He pleaded guilty in August.
