Vehicular homicide case against Justin W. Brill sent to grand jury

Nancy Molnar, The Times-Reporter
·2 min read
Ronald Rader of New Philadelphia rode his tricycle throughout the Dover-New Philadelphia area. He died June 14 after a motorist hit him while he was outside his apartment at a picnic table.
Ronald Rader of New Philadelphia rode his tricycle throughout the Dover-New Philadelphia area. He died June 14 after a motorist hit him while he was outside his apartment at a picnic table.

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The case against a man accused of aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with a June 14 crash that killed a man has been sent to the Tuscarawas County Grand Jury.

Justin W. Brill, 22, of 234 Front Ave. SW, is charged with two counts each of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

More: Justin W. Brill faces 8-12 year sentence if convicted in connection with fatal crash

A second victim suffered broken ribs and other injuries, according to assistant county prosecutor Kristine Beard.

New Philadelphia resident Ronald Rader’s tricycle is seen mangled and locked at Beaver Creek Apartments on June 16. Rader died as a result of injuries sustained in a hit-skip car crash at the building where he lived.
New Philadelphia resident Ronald Rader’s tricycle is seen mangled and locked at Beaver Creek Apartments on June 16. Rader died as a result of injuries sustained in a hit-skip car crash at the building where he lived.

On Thursday in New Philadelphia Municipal Court, Brill waived his right to a hearing to determine whether the crimes probably occurred, and whether he was probably the person who committed them.

Judge Nanette DeGarmo VonAllman kept his bail at $25,000, which she set at his initial appearance June 17.

Brill allegedly drove into Beaver Creek Apartments, causing fatal injuries to Ronald Rader, 55, who was caught between the vehicle and the building at 1811 E. High Ave..

More: Man killed in Tuesday crash was often seen riding tricycle in area

New Philadelphia police took Brill into custody after the crash occurred at the apartment building near Harry Clever Field. Rader lived in the building. The vehicle ran into Rader and the other man while they were sitting at a picnic table outside an apartment.

Beard said police found Brill at his apartment, still drunk.

Brill is being kept at the county jail. He is ordered to have no contact with the crash survivor and the family of the deceased. If he is able to post bond, he would have alcohol and location monitors, under the judge's orders. Terms of any pretrial release would include avoiding alcohol, drugs of abuse, bars and taverns.

Brill faces a possible prison sentence of eight to 12 years if convicted of all charges.

VonAllman appointed attorney Matthew Petit to represent the defendant.

Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.

On Twitter: @nmolnarTR

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Case against Justin W. Brill in crash death sent to grand jury