A man accused of driving a vehicle that sideswiped a school bus transporting dozens of migrant laborer on their way to work last year, killing eight of them, has had his court case continued until at least mid-May.
Here’s what happened in that case and others heard at the Marion County Judicial Center the week of Dec. 30.
State v. Bryan Maclean Howard
Judge: Circuit Judge Peter Brigham.
Lawyers: Ocala defense attorney Jack Maro and Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon.
Charges: Eight counts of DUI manslaughter and 11 counts of DUI with serious bodily injury to another.
If Howard is convicted, what would be the sentence? He could receive up to life in prison.
Was Howard in court? Yes. He appeared with his lawyer on Jan. 3 for trial priority.
What was the outcome? Maro told the judge he wanted to continue the case for the next several months so he can further investigate. The judge granted the extension and set Howard’s next court date for May 15, which will be a day after the anniversary of the May 14, 2024 crash.