Teen Charged With Killing Cyclists

There are new developments in the Labor Day traffic accident that killed two cyclists. William Imle and Archie Clemons, Jr. died after being struck by a truck police say was driven by Patrick Ballard. It happened on Bromley Road near Stapleton.

Prosecutors say this isn’t the first time Ballard has been involved in a deadly crash involving a bicycle.

The charge is murder. "It wasn't an accident it was a murder of two people," says Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb.

Shortly after being released from the hospital and wearing a neck brace, Patrick Ballard was booked into the Baldwin County Jail. He’s charged with the murder of William Imle and Archie Clemons, Jr. according to Newcomb. "We believe the facts will ultimately show that both high speed and alcohol were involved."

This isn't the first time Ballard has been involved in a fatal accident or even a fatal accident involving bicyclists. The year was 2005 and the prosecutor then was David Whetstone. “Criminal prosecution was in order under my duties as district attorney."

Two years ago Ballard hit cyclist Larry McDuff. Ballard was indicted on manslaughter charges. The case was handled in juvenile court at the request of McDuff’s family according to Whetstone. "They did not want to pursue it as a criminal matter in the circuit court and many people felt like the juvenile court had more opportunities to reach a person to stop him."

Whetstone says it’s unbelievable what has happened. Relatives of the McDuff's he says are just as shocked. "I've talked to the son oh just flabbergasted oh no."

Ballard was arrested by state troopers after being released from USA Medical Center. He’s now being cared for by the Baldwin County Correctional Center. He is scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday in Bay Minette.