Trial Begins For Man Accused Of Running Over Two Women

LAS CRUCES, NM – The trial of man accused of running over two women allegedly on purpose began Tuesday.

According to prosecutors, Jeremiah Dowling, 19, killed one woman and left another in with serious injuries after running over them on December 21, 2005.

Dowling has been charged with murder, battery and leaving the scene of an accident.

Court records obtained by ABC-7 reveal Dowling drove onto the median strip on Roadway Avenue and struck Andrea Thomas.

Further down the road, hekilled 75-year-old Sharon McNair by running over her. The death of McNair led tohis first degree murder charge with the possibility of life in prison.

However, C.J. McElhinney, Dowling’s Attorney, believes his client should be charged with a lesser charge: vehicular homicide.

“He’s guilty of leaving the scene of an accident. He’s guilty of leaving the scene of two accidents. We can see that. What he did was wrong that day, but he’s not a murderer,” claims McElhinney.

The trial continues Wednesday morning.