Two men allegedly street racing before a fatal crash that claimed the life of a Salem woman earlier this month made their first appearance in Marion County Court on Wednesday.
The driver of the pickup that allegedly struck and fatally injured 66-year-old Nita Mobley of Salem at the West Main and Hotze Road intersection has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death, aggravated street racing, and reckless homicide. Judge Mark Stedelin had earlier set bond for 21-year-old Justin Bullard of North Avenue in Iuka at $1 million. He told the judge during his first appearance he would hire his own attorney and had one in mind.
In addition, the driver of another vehicle not involved in the wreck, 27-year-old Derrik Coomer of East Boone in Salem appeared for the first time in court on a Marion County felony warrant charging aggravated reckless driving resulting in bodily harm. The bond on the warrant was earlier set at $250,000. Coomer told the judge he was also in the process of hiring an attorney to represent him.
The first-degree murder charge filed against Bullard said he was driving at an excessive speed, disregarding traffic laws while driving under the influence causing Mobley’s death. If found guilty, Bullard faces a 20 to 60-year prison term and up to a $25,000 fine with no chance of probation. The reckless homicide charge claims Bullard was driving at an excessive speed and disobeyed a red traffic light. The aggravated speed racing charge claims he was attempting to outgain or outdistance a companion on US 50 near Hotze Road.
The aggravated reckless driving charge against Coomer claims he was traveling at an excessive speed while pursuing a companion. The Class 4 felony carries a potential sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison, up to 30 months probation and a fine of up to $25,000.
Bullard is next due in court on May 24th for a status hearing on hiring an attorney. A preliminary hearing for both is set for 11 am on June 7th.
Mobley was killed when making a left turn from Main to South Hotze and was struck by the Bullard pickup. The impact caused the Mobley vehicle to catch fire. Both Bullard and a passenger, 25-year-old Austin Back of Iuka, were both taken to St. Louis Hospitals for treatment.
Bullard was arrested at the home of a relative in Wayne County early Tuesday night where he was recuperating from his injuries. He was using a walker when making his first appearance via Zoom court from the Marion County Jail.
Derrik Coomer (Photo Marion County Jail)
