NO CRIMINAL CHARGES WILL BE FILED IN CHILD'S DEATH - Samantha Dawn Pearson Buried Monday

(11/14/2006)
The Roane County Sheriff's Department said it is unlikely any criminal charges will be filed following a two-vehicle collision that tragically killed two-year-old Samantha Dawn Pearson of Arnoldsburg last week.

The child was strapped in a car seat in a vehicle driven by 16-year-old Gary May, Jr. of Arnoldsburg. Besides May and the victim, there were three other passengers in the vehicle.

Roane County Deputy Sheriff Doug Eldridge said the investigation showed the driver of the other vehicle, a pick-up truck, was not at fault.

The driver was identified as 21-year-old Adam Helmick of Orma.

"If any charges are filed over the accident, they would be citations," said Eldridge.

The accident happened on a straight stretch of Arnoldsburg Road, US 33-119, east of Spencer.

Funeral services for the child were held Monday in Arnoldsburg.