Crash suspect indicted, pleads not guilty
EUGENE, Ore.--A grand jury formally indicted Matthew Ellmers on four counts of manslaughter Tuesday afternoon in the first degree. According to Eugene Police, Ellmers was driving drunk when he ran a red light and hit an SUV, killing four people and seriously injuring a fifth.
The grand jury also indicted Ellmers on one count of assault in the second degree, a felony, and one count each of reckless driver and driving under the influence of intoxicants. The latter counts are misdemeanors.
An attorney pleaded not guilty on Ellmers' behalf. That attorney was standing in for Ellmers' lawyer, Bradley Cascagnettte.
The grand jury does not rule on innocence or guilt. Rather, the grand jury hears evidence and decides if there is enough to charge a suspect with an offense.
A status hearing is scheduled for March 4.
