Judge supports trial in DUI death

The case

On June 6, a suspected drunken driver in a van plowed into the back of a 1994 Oldsmobile that had stopped near the eastbound left lane of U.S. 24, just west of Constitution Avenue. The passenger in that car, which had stopped when a mattress fell off a truck in front of it, was killed. The driver of the Oldsmobile said the car was pulled over with hazard lights flashing. According to an arrest affidavit, Colorado Springs police smelled alcohol on the van driver's breath, his eyes were bloodshot, his speech was "slow and slurred," and he failed a roadside sobriety test.

The victim

Christine McCord, 54, of Colorado Springs did insurance billing for Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group, was a member of the Highland Park Baptist Church and a grandmother.

The suspect

Troy Hauck, 33, of Peyton was charged with felony vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, careless driving and driving without insurance. Hauck, who is a self-employed interior trim worker, remains free on $10,000 bond. Hauck's blood alcohol content was 0.124, over the legal driving limit of 0.08, according to Colorado Springs police.

What's new

4th Judicial District Judge Barney Iuppa decided Friday enough evidence exists to send Hauck to trial on vehicular homicide charges after hearing testimony from the Colorado Springs police officers who investigated the crash.

What's next

Hauck is due back in court to enter a plea Oct. 3.

He could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.