Lisa Marchesoni
Posted: Thursday, August 21, 2008 4:00 pm

An independent agency may investigate the crash where a sheriff’s detective sergeant’s vehicle struck and killed an11-year-old girl, said the district attorney pro tem now handling the case.

Former District Attorney Joe Baugh of Franklin was appointed to review the investigation of sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Killings crash that killed Lakeisha White July 17 on Bradyville Pike. Baugh served as district attorney 16 years and has been in private practice 10 years.

District Attorney William Whitesell asked for another prosecutor after a request from the family because he deals with Murfreesboro Police and the sheriff’s office on a daily basis. Whitesell has sent Baugh some documents he requested.

Baugh said Thursday he talked with attorney Bob Whitaker, who represents Lakeisha’s family.

“I wanted to get their input,” Baugh said. “I think maybe we should have some independent people” examine the crash.

Baugh also plans to review the investigation so far by Murfreesboro Police’s Fatal Accident Crash Team.

“I want to see Murfreesboro’s reconstruction first and see what it looks like to get my bearings,” Baugh said. “I want to be able to reach some sort of conclusions.”

He will review the investigation to determine if a crime was committed and make a decision about criminal charges, if any.

In a press conference Aug. 8, Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman said Sgt. Sam Campbell erred by not retrieving as evidence two bottles of alcohol witnesses at the scene linked to Killings. Lakeisha’s family gave police the bottles.

One of the bottles was identified as Killings’ property. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents are checking the second bottle for Killings’ fingerprints.

Campbell remains on administrative leave with pay. Killings returned to work after the blood-alcohol test was negative.

In the Aug. 8 press conference, Chrisman appointed Maj. David Hudgens to oversee the investigation he expected to be completed in roughly two weeks.

Police spokesman Kyle Evans said a press conference has not been scheduled to release more information about the investigation.

“We’re waiting for instructions from the district attorney pro tem and we’re going to proceed with our investigation as we have been,” Evans said. “We’re going to cooperate with whatever instructions he has.”