The Winston-Salem Journal reports Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill has asked the state Attorney General’s office to handle the investigation into the fatal crash involving Rep. Larry Womble because they hold differing views on the Racial Justice Act:
I wouldn’t want the public to believe that I would punish Mr. Womble for his stance on the Racial Justice Act and the death penalty,” O’Neill said. Nor would I want any members of the public to believe I would reward Mr. Womble for his work in the community over the years.”
Bottom line is this is politicizing a tragic accident that left a citizen dead. I realize the driver of the other car had a blood alcohol limit three times the normal level, but witnesses have told police that Womble’s car crossed the center line and hit David Carmichael’s car head-on.
Yet another consequence of ill-conceived legislation. This is setting a dangerous precedent –O’Neill was one of 43 district attorneys to sign a letter urging state senators to overturn the RJA. It’s a fact of life that legislators run afoul of the law — would their stance on the RJA come into play in every circumstance?
