Driver In Fatal Crash Acquitted

Thu., March 20, 1997

Compiled From Wire Services

Jorg Peter Schmitz was acquitted Wednesday of vehicular homicide charges in the fatal rollover crash that killed Rocky Mountain News columnist Greg Lopez last year.

Schmitz, 35, nodded in thanks as the not-guilty verdicts were read and stood to acknowledge the jurors as they left the packed courtroom.

“They made the right decision,” he said. “Justice has been done.”

The Denver District Court jury deliberated about seven hours before acquitting Schmitz on three charges: vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, vehicular homicide caused by reckless driving and leaving the scene of the accident.

“I was disappointed in the verdict,” Lopez’ widow, Kathleen Bohland, said as she held their infant daughter, Calla, born after Lopez died.

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Driver In Fatal Crash Acquitted

Jesse Tinsley

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