HUBBARD Hit-run case waits on tests

A trooper expects charges to be filed soon.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- The mother of the 14-year-old girl killed more than two months ago by a hit-and-run driver hasn't lost patience with authorities despite the slow pace of the case.
"We trust the people in charge," Jennifer Studer said of her feelings and those of her husband, Brian.
A suspect in the April 4 crash that claimed Kyrsten Studer, William Demidovich, 69, of Hubbard Township, has not been charged by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Blood-alcohol content
The patrol said Demidovich had a blood-alcohol level of 0.189 when he was tested after the accident. The legal limit is 0.10.
The patrol said Demidovich had been drinking at VFW Post 3767 on West Liberty Street before running into a group of eight teenagers who were walking along state Route 304 just west of the Hubbard city limits.
Kyrsten was killed, and five others were injured.
Sgt. Joseph Dragovich of the patrol's Southington barracks said two factors have held up charges being filed in the case: Results from blood tests took longer than expected, and the results of DNA tests are pending.
Dragovich also said it's his understanding county prosecutors wanted to get the Donna Roberts murder trial behind them.
That trial is complete, except for sentencing.
The trooper said he anticipates charges' being filed shortly in the Studer case.
Despite the high blood-alcohol reading, Dragovich said Demidovich can't be charged with driving under the influence because of a question of double jeopardy.
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that if a defendant is found guilty of DUI in such cases, he would be placed in double jeopardy by also being charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.
Mrs. Studer said authorities have explained the double-jeopardy situation to her family.
Case moving forward
Atty. David Toepfer, an assistant county prosecutor, said the Studer case is moving forward, but there is no definite time for when charges will be filed.
Mrs. Studer said she's glad there are people "who are lighting a fire" to keep the case in the public eye.
"I wish it would go faster," Mrs. Studer said, noting she and her husband may be more concerned a year from now if nothing more has happened.
"I have to trust the people who know what they are doing," Mrs. Studer said, adding she can't imagine those involved not doing their best to bring to justice the person responsible for her daughter's death.
Kyrsten and the other teens were walking in front of Pine Lakes Golf Course when a car came from behind, went off the road and struck them.
Hubbard Township police found the car suspected in the accident -- a red Lincoln Continental -- within two hours in front of Demidovich's mobile home on Stoneybrook Drive.
yovich@vindy.com