Attorneys for former W.Va. EMT seek new venue in fatal ambulance crash case

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — Attorneys have filed motions that could change the date and location of the trial for a former EMT accused in the death of a Kanawha County man.

Alyssa Middleton, 19, was indicted by a special grand jury on charges of voluntary manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving an ambulance that caused a death, and aggravated vehicular homicide, WCHS reported.

| MORE: Family challenges W.Va. EMS account, demands charges after fatal ambulance incident

The charges followed the release of surveillance video showing a Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority vehicle driven by Middleton strike 45-year-old John Lucas in April. Investigators said Lucas was dragged for about two miles and died from his injuries.

Middleton’s attorneys requested a change of venue, arguing widespread hostility would prevent a fair trial in Kanawha County.

Attorneys also cited community demands for accountability in seeking a new venue. Middleton and Rayna Scott were fired from the ambulance authority; Scott has not been charged.

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