Forum News Service
DULUTH, Minn. - David Andrew Smithson has pleaded guilty to felony criminal vehicular homicide, agreeing with toxicology reports that he had amphetamine, methamphetamine, THC and morphine in his system when the the van he was driving struck and killed Brian Respler, who was walking along Grand Avenue in West Duluth.
Smithson, 27, said Monday he had been sleeping at his brother's house in Piedmont before driving to his parents’ house in Gary-New Duluth, and dozed off at the wheel after earlier doing drugs.
He said he opened his eyes to see Respler just feet in front of him, walking on the shoulder of the road, before his van hit Respler.
Smithson, of Duluth, who had two previous DUI arrests in recent years for operating a vehicle while on controlled substances, agreed with the statement that his being under the influence of multiple drugs while driving was the cause of Respler’s death. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
ADVERTISEMENT
Respler, 37, of Duluth, a father of four, lived nearby and was out for a walk for when he was hit, his wife said Monday.
