(SALEM) - The man accused of hitting and killing a Salem school bus driver last month is due back in court Friday afternoon.
20-year old Corey Duffield of Salem faces charges of felony hit and run and assault, in connection with the death of 65-year old Gary Phillips.
Now it is likely that the charges will be elevated to include first-degree manslaughter, which is a Measure 11 offense that carries a 10-year minimum sentence.
Phillips was struck on Jan. 8th at about 6:10 AM at the Hawthorne Ave and D Street intersection near the Salem-Keizer School District bus barn.
Gary Phillips died from his injuries on Jan. 16th.
According to court records, Duffield said he was on his way to work, and hit Phillips in the crosswalk at the Hawthorne Ave and D Street intersection.
He said there was a yellow light, he was traveling at 40 mph in a 35 mph zone, and it was dark, rainy, and foggy at the time of the accident.Previous news on this case:Well Known Local School Bus Driver Dies From Hit And Run Injuries20-Year-Old Arrested in Hit-And-Run That Critically Injured Salem School Bus DriverSalem-Keizer School Bus Driver Nearly Killed Monday Morning While Walking to Work
Man Accused of Killing Salem School Bus Driver Due in Court FridaySalem-News.com