From the Maryland State Police, Bel Air Barrack:
On August 7, 2015 at approximately 9:25pm, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack and Harford County EMS were dispatched to respond to the area of eastbound US Route 40 at Maryland Route 7 for a serious collision involving a pedestrian.
Upon arrival of responding EMS units, the involved pedestrian was declared deceased. The pedestrian was identified as Jennie Butler of the 1100 Blk South Philadelphia Boulevard, Aberdeen Maryland. Mrs. Butler had been walking with her daughter, and attempted to cross US Route 40 from the east side of the roadway to the west side at Maryland Route 7. While crossing the eastbound lanes Mrs. Butler was struck on the left side in lane one by two vehicles.
The second vehicle, a gold 2003 Ford Focus operated by Duane Edward Wassum of the 200 Blk Mayberry Drive, Aberdeen, MD, stopped immediately and remained at the scene of the collision. The lead/first striking vehicle did not remain at the scene. It is only described as a passenger vehicle and according to Mrs. Butler’s daughter possibly has damage to the front, windshield area from the middle towards the driver’s side. There is no further description available at this time from Mrs. Butler’s daughter or Mr. Wassum.
Surveillance video in the area of the collision will be analyzed in an attempt to ascertain the initial striking vehicle which fled from the scene. Investigation is ongoing by TFC Frank Donald assigned to the Maryland State Police Bel Air barrack, reconstructionist TFC Timothy Woodward assigned to the Maryland State Police Golden Ring barrack, and with assistance from the Maryland State Police Crash Team.
Anyone with any information regarding this collision investigation is asked to call the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack.
Rjbaskins says
Can’t believe as busy as that road is that no one had the b!!!s to follow and stop it
Shane Masta says
Jennie butler was my aunt, wife of Roger Butler, my uncle, and mother of Karen, and Heather Butler, my little cousin’s. If the scumbag who left her to die without a care or thought of the pain they have brought on my family is reading this… you will pay in the end. One way shape or form it always comes aound. Thank you too the driver who did stop.
Roy says
So what happened with the hit/run snow blower guy? They rule that one pedestrian at fault and sweep it under the rug?
Open Your Eyes says
It really doesn’t matter who was at fault driver or pedestrian. The driver of the truck dragged the poor guy down the road and didn’t stop to render aid. The State Police know the identity of the striking vehicle. The problem is putting a person behind the wheel. When the State Police started closing in the driver and (probably the owner) of the truck went to an attorney. The attorney probably advised the driver not to talk to the police. Hopefully, the guilt will one day be too much for the driver to handle and he/she will come forward to give this matter some closure. Sadly the constitution, which was conceptually designed to protect the rights of innocent people, sometimes protects criminals.
Open Your Eyes says
Actually, don’t read anything I just typed. I really have no clue.
Spank me says
During an “investigation” it doesn’t take a expert detective to know that “eye witness account” can be some of the most unreliable source of the entire investigation.
You were there during? You saw the person dragged, or did you read that on the internet? Maybe you had some “shop talk” with your Police buddies? LOL
The Money Tree says
It doesn’t take an eyewitness to confirm whether or not someone was dragged – physical evidence tells you that; a simple investigation would confirm something like that. Eyewitnesses however did state the person driving finally stopped the vehicle, exited, pulled the snowblower out from under the vehicle, rendered no aid, hopped back in the vehicle and raced away from the scene. So the cops know who owns the vehicle…know the vehicle was involved in this incident and lawyer or no lawyer unless you can prove the vehicle was stolen and returned to the owner somebody knows who was driving that car and that’s the registered owner. Sure seems to me since authorities won’t even disclose who that is somebody is protecting someone. I’d strongly recommend to the first car that fled in this recent incident take a cue from our icey road and perhaps intoxicated driver from last year…it doesn’t matter just say you have no idea who was driving your car and that is enough in Harford County apparently to hold harmless anybody that runs over pedestrians in this county. Ridiculous.
Spank me says
The “eye witness” comment is towards “he said, she said” nonsense that goes on about everything. You weren’t there, all you do is read what someone else thinks what happened or what a “Public Information Officer” released to the public.
Im going to guess no one here is apart of anything related with the Snow blower guy or this particular incident.
In other words, you don’t have a clue and neither do I.
The Money Tree says
I don’t have to be there, don’t have to know anything more than three things – 1) a pedestrian was killed, 2) the person that killed the pedestrian fled the scene and 3) the police know who owns the car and have for months. Those three things ought to be enough to put a case together to at least charge somebody with leaving the scene of a crime and/or depraved indifference. The fact nothing has happened tells me somebody that knows somebody is involved in this and so short of having photos of the vehicle in the act of running down the man the DA and the police are afraid to move ahead with any charges. Sure seems to me somebody just wants us all to forget about this.
Open Your Eyes says
@ Money Tree,
I certainly agree with you from a moral point of view. To have this many clues and not be able to make a clearance is extremely frustrating and very sad. We both know that the owner of the truck is probably fully aware of who was driving it at the time of the incident. It very well could have been the owner him/herself. But again, if he/she doesn’t come forward how can you prove it. I am not an attorney but there is probably a preponderance of evidence to make a civil case against the owner of the truck. You have the damage, the victim’s DNA etc, but how do you prove who was driving? You can summons the owner before the Grand Jury and question them but sadly people often lie. As for the comments of Spank me (Soul Crusher) please take them for what they are worth. Just a sad man who whines daily about what he considers to be failed legal system. He attempted to hide behind the same constitution which unfortunately the driver of that truck is utilizing. Maybe one day he will come to realize that things are not all about him. I fully expect responses from he Soul man himself or one of his many alter egos.
Spank me says
I’m not Soulcrusher. I think I’ll start using your name, though.
SoulCrusher says
I am the Crusher of Souls. I have no limits and I know no roles. However, the only person who uses numerous screen names is multiple personality Marc. I’ve told everyone, time and time again, I only use the screen name SoulCrusher. I want to make sure everyone reading knows that the comments they read are from me, Jon Adam McCarty. No one else but me…….I do not use the screen name Spank me. If you think different then whatever…….
A.J. Taylor says
Wow….
Open Your Eyes says
I wonder what Thanksgiving dinner is like at the Soulman’s house. His mom, him, and all of his imaginary friends.
SoulCrusher says
It’s nice. The conversation is intelligent and lively and the turkey is always perfect.
SoulCrusher says
Thanksgiving is like any other day at the Eaton house because Marc is “Always” Eaton.
Dana says
Jennie was a sweet, gentle soul. Her husband Roger is one of the kindest men we know. His friends and coworkers have started a fund for him and his family @ gofundme.com/Roger-butler
Anything can help this family is appreciated!
F.L. says
Such a young victim and loss. An innocent victim with so much to give back to the community as well. And with a daughter smarter than the parent as to NOT cross a intersection with traffic in progress. Going home (I have little doubt) to put kids/grandkids in bed after bath time. Walking home after an evening out @ Wal Mart of shopping and not paying. So sad. Such a loss.
Vinnygret says
What a nasty thing to say about someone who was just killed. I hope her relatives don’t read your thoughtless, heartless comment.
Spank me says
Me too, its pretty simple not to read serving you don’t like/have a different opinion of.
Maybe you should go “like” some slacktivism on Facebook or take a “selfie.”
Spank me says
Actually, it does matter whether or not a pedestrian is at fault. Hence, the “investigation.”
What happens is Maryland can “pile” on additional charges of vehicle related negligence to the operator in regards to the homicide if the pedestrian was not at fault. Believe you and me, these “piled” on charges are way worse than Operator/MV leaving scene w/bodily injury.
If you need specifics you can look up the COMAR yourself and use your common sense imagination to figure out when and when not a pedestrian is at fault.
Concerned says
My deepest condolences go out to the family. I have never met Mrs. Butler, but I have met her daughter as she goes to school with my daughter. This is indeed a sad incident. To those who speculate, please keep your personal opinions off here. It makes no matter if the pedestrian is @ fault or not, there is a set of Laws in place for drivers. The driver who sped off is guilty of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a death and such has penalties. Let’s hope that the Sheriff’s department or the state can identify and prosecute that driver for his/her negligence
Spank me says
Leave my personal opinions off here? Who are you? Oh? Nobody?
If you don’t like what somebody types in a reply, don’t read it. Pretty simple, common sense stuff.
Am I rude? Probably. Arrogant? Yes. Do I have different opinions than others? Yep. Do I tell others what to do? Nope.
mindful says
You sir/madam are an idiot & yes it is my opinion & you are a post troll who likes to stir trouble. There are real concerns and feeling involved when someone is killed tragically. I am so glad to see that you have no life and feel the need to stir issues on a post involving a death.
brandi eaton says
SOULCRUSHER STOP TALKING ABOUT MY FATHER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM TIRED OF YOU ALL BASHING HIM YOU DONT KNOW HIM. PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE.
SoulCrusher says
Hahaha….What? Seriously? Just tell him to take his prescriptions. He’ll be alright…..
SoulCrusher says
I am a disrespectful, entitled leach. Ignore me.
SoulCrusher says
I have no respect for those don’t deserve respect, so yes I’m disrespectful. I have no entitlements and your idea that I am about entitlements is just as ridiculous as you trying to return to Gold’s Gym….. It wouldn’t help you anyway.