The uncle of a 13-year-old girl who died July 7 after she fell off the trunk of a moving car was apprehended Wednesday morning in Alabama, only a couple days after police revealed that he was wanted for an arrest warrant for reckless homicide.
According to Kentucky State Police Detective Colan Harold James Harold Jones, 32, of Corbin was arrested by the Fort Payne, Ala. police department after he was stopped on the roadway for traffic violations. Jones is the uncle of Hailee Martin – his 13-year-old niece who died after she fell from the trunk of Jones’ moving vehicle on Cecil Wyatt Road July 7, striking her head on the roadway.
"I don’t know what he was doing down there. He certainly knew there was a warrant out there for his arrest," Harrell said. "I’m just glad they got him."
Harrell said Jones plans to waive any extradition procedures, so he will likely be transported back to Kentucky in the next few days to face the felony charge against him.
Investigators began scrutinizing Jones’ actions in connection with the accidental death of his niece following intereviews with family several days after the incident.
"Permitting a 13-year-old to ride on the back of your vehicle on a public roadway goes beyond the realm of common sense," Harrell said. "He’s 32-years-old and he knew she was back there. He knew better."
Harrell said Jones stopped near the intersection of Cecil Wyatt Road and Barton Mill Cutoff to pick up Jones and a friend of hers, presumably, to give them a ride to Martin’s home. Martin’s friend got into the car, but Harrell said Martin jumped onto the trunk of the vehicle. Jones allegedly began traveling down the road while she was riding on the trunk.
Harrell said Martin’s friend and a neighbor witnessed the accident.
Police did not become involved in the investigation until days after the incident took place. Social Services eventually asked for a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the accident. At first, Kentucky State Police said there would be no criminal charges in the case. That changed once police started interviewing witnesses.
"There was just a breakdown in communication on what action should be taken," Harrell said. "It was a misunderstanding."
He said Jones has been somewhat cooperative with police, but that he hasn’t been able to located him since an arrest warrant was issued late last month.
Reckless homicide carries a potential sentenced of one to five years in prison.
Martin turned 13 in January and was an eight grader at Corbin Middle School.
