Lena Morsch
Daily Egyptian
Saline County Assistant State's Attorney Paul Myers filed charges against Raymond Moss Tuesday for the accident that resulted in the deaths of brothers Doug and Forrest Hurd.
The Hurd Brothers were well known musicians who have played blues throughout Southern Illinois for the past two decades, including venues on Carbondale's Strip such as Booby's and PK's, and they opened for such national acts as Buddy Guy, Robin Trower and Steppenwolf.
They were returning home from a show in Fairfield when the accident occurred.
Moss, the driver of a 1996 Kia, is being charged with reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence, disobeying a stop sign and driving with a revoked license. According to Myers, the reckless homicide charge was stepped up from involuntary manslaughter because two deaths were involved.
"There is an allegation of alcohol as well as drugs being involved, so the penalty could be up to 28 years in prison for Moss," Myers said.
According to police, Moss, 38 of Harrisburg, ran a stop sign early Sunday morning. The Hurd vehicle, a 1972 Chevy Pickup, swerved to avoid hitting Moss. The truck struck the left side of the Kia, causing it to flip on its side and burst into flames. Moss' vehicle hit a tree and caused major injuries to both him and his passenger, Aimie Debose, 21, of Eldorado. The Hurd brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Moss, who remains in good condition at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, has an extensive criminal history. At the time of the accident, he was awaiting trial for several felony charges stemming from two incidents earlier this year that involved high speed chases with police.
Saline County Sheriff's Deputy Bill Duncan, who was called to the scene of the accident, said Moss had been involved in a domestic incident earlier that evening. He said police were searching for him for questioning at the time of the accident.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today in Harrisburg at Gaskins Funeral Home. A spokesman for the funeral home said that they were preparing for a large crowd at both the visitation and dual funeral.
Duncan, who works with the Hurds' sister, Marcia, said the family is struggling with the tragic events.
"This has really hit home. Marcia is such a sweet lady; it was so difficult to have to be the one who told her about her brothers. I think everyone is still in shock," Duncan said.
Reporter Lena Morsch can be reached at lmorsch@dailyegyptian.com.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
