SNOW HILL -- Jesse James Mason's manslaughter trial has been pushed to January, after State's Attorney Joel Todd filed a motion for postponement. Mason was charged with homicide by motor vehicle, negligent homicide by auto while impaired, negligent manslaughter by auto, auto homicide under the influence of alcohol and related charges after he allegedly drove out of a parking lot while Hunter Lee Stonnell was hanging onto his vehicle. Stonnell knew Mason was drunk, police said, and had been imploring him not to drive when he was killed.
Todd said he disqualified himself in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. The victim's family believes he has a "too close relationship" with the defense attorney, Todd said in an interview.
The case is currently scheduled for trial on Jan. 11, and incoming State's Attorney Beau Oglesby will try the case after being sworn into office on Jan. 3.
