Tractor driver charged in fatal collision
TONY BROWN/DAILY FORUM
Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice (standing) speaks to reporters Thursday during a press conference called to announce the filing of a felony involuntary manslaughter charge against Ravenwood farmer Marlin F. Meyer. The charges stem from a tractor-SUV collision in April that claimed the life of 60-year-old Virginia C. Burns of Parnell.
Marlin F. Meyer, 71, Ravenwood, was arrested and charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter Wednesday in connection with a fatal accident April 24 on Highway 46 a mile south of Parnell.
Virginia C. Burns, 60, was killed in the collision, which occurred at 5:40 a.m.
According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report filed after the wreck, the accident occurred when Burns’ southbound 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle was struck by a northbound tractor/anhydrous ammonia applicator driven by Meyer.
Reports indicated the implement’s applicator arms had been left in the extended position, allegedly blocking the roadway.
Burns, who was reportedly on her way to work at the Kawasaki Motors plant in Maryville, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the criminal charge brought by Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice, Burns’ family has filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Meyer in Nodaway County Circuit Court.
After his arrest Wednesday evening, Meyer was taken to the Nodaway County Jail and later released on $10,000 bond.
During a press conference Thursday at the Nodaway County Courthouse, Rice said Meyer was arrested following a four-month investigation into the accident that led to a grand jury handing down an indictment on the manslaughter charge this week.
Rice said the extended investigation was necessary in order for investigators to compile a full report that included witness statements and other evidence.
“This matter was important to us, and it was also important that we do it correctly,” said Rice, who added that he will seek prison time for the defendant.
Though declining to discuss most specifics about the case, Rice did say Meyer is alleged to have violated Missouri traffic regulations by driving an overly wide farm implement on a public highway before daylight and perhaps failing to observe other prescribed safety measures as well.
Rice said that at the time of the wreck, Meyer, a professional farmer, was driving the implement to a field located about a mile from the accident scene.
The filing of involuntary manslaughter charges following this kind of collision is unusual in northwest Missouri, and Rice said the wreck is the first such incident he can recall either as a prosecutor or an attorney in private practice.
Unofficial online court records show that Meyer has a history of minor vehicular infractions dating back to 2007 and has paid fines related to a series of misdemeanor offenses that include, speeding, defective equipment and two instances of driving a motor vehicle without properly equipped bumpers.
None of the fines imposed for those offenses were more than $250.
Meyer is scheduled for arraignment in Nodaway County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11. At that time, a judge will read the formal charge against him, inform Meyer of his right to an attorney, and ask the defendant if he wishes to enter a plea.
If convicted of the Class C felony, Meyer could be sentenced to a prison term of between three and 10 years and ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
