Trial to start for driver in 2001 crash that killed 3

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — The agony Rich Morrow felt when his 21-year-old daughter died worsened when the man accused of causing the crash that killed her and two other students skipped bail and disappeared.

Six years later, a trial finally begins for driver Frederick Russell, and Morrow feels a huge relief.

Today’s trial became possible when Russell was tracked to Ireland. With his red hair and fake Irish accent, he had blended in, had a girlfriend and worked as security guard at a lingerie shop, authorities said.

But a tip from a man who saw a most-wanted poster of Russell called authorities.

Russell, now 29, is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of vehicular assault. He faces 10 to 14 years in prison if convicted.

Court papers allege he was drunk and speeding when he caused an accident that killed the Washington State University students, including Morrow’s daughter Stacy, and injured three others June 4, 2001.

Police reports say the crash killed Stacy Morrow; Brandon Clements, 22; and Ryan Sorensen, 21; the other occupants were injured. Russell had minor injuries.

Stacy’s body was so damaged that her family had her cremated, Rich Morrow said.