(COLDWATER) - A Branch County judge is weighing whether jurors will hear contested evidence in the case of a Virginia truck driver charged in a fatal 2024 motorcycle crash, according to reporting by The Coldwater Daily Reporter.
Judge Brent Weigle is deciding if testimony about the motorcyclist's speed, helmet use, and toxicology results can be introduced at trial.
The victim, Logan Hunnaman, was 24 when he was killed in a November 2024 collision.
Prosecutors have asked the court to block the evidence, arguing it would unfairly prejudice a jury and does not meet the legal standard for gross negligence. Defense attorneys countered that the information is central to their case and could show Hunnaman may have avoided the crash.
The defendant, 53-year-old Brian Lowry of Virginia, is charged with a misdemeanor count of moving violation causing death. Investigators allege Lowry failed to come to a complete stop while exiting I-69 at the Fenn Road off-ramp before his semi struck the motorcycle. Michigan State Police and in-car video footage reportedly support that claim.
Lowry has pleaded not guilty and remains free on bond after surrendering to authorities in June 2025 following a lengthy investigation.
Judge Weigle is expected to rule on the evidence in the coming days as the case moves forward.