It took the Muskogee County jury only about two hours to find Christopher Wilson, 32, guilty of first-degree manslaughter in connection with the April 2006 death of Tim Helvey of Webbers Falls. The trial began Monday in Muskogee County District Court.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), Wilson was driving a 1997 GMC truck south on U.S. Highway 64 about four and a half miles west of Warner at a high rate of speed when he swerved left and struck a northbound 1992 GMC truck driven by Helvey.
Helvey was pinned in his vehicle for about two and a half hours. He was freed by Muskogee County Fire and Rescue personnel and was pronounced dead at the scene. Wilson was flown to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa where he was treated and released.
Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore said Thursday after the verdict that Wilson faced four years to life in prison. Moore said he asked that Wilson serve the 47 years and 13 days after talking with the family of the victim.
"That's what they wanted so that's what I did," Moore said.
Moore said the evidence presented at trial revealed that Wilson, who was living at Vian at the time of the accident, but also spent time in Warner, had cocaine in his bloodstream at the time of the accident. He said Wilson was accused of causing the death of another person while committing a misdemeanor, which is driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
Moore said he would like to recognize Capt. Damon Tucker, the lead investigator on the case who assisted Moore throughout the trial.
Moore said the verdict may be the highest manslaughter verdict in Muskogee County.
"It definitely sends a message to everyone in this area - if you're going to drive while intoxicated and kill someone...be prepared to go to prison," Moore said.
A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered and Wilson is expected to be formally sentenced at 10 a.m. April 23.
