03-03-2025
Trial delayed for man facing negligent homicide in Fort Smith teen's death
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — An Alma man accused of negligent homicide in connection with a Fort Smith teen's death has had his trial delayed because of pending crime lab results, according to court documents.
Craig Asplund, 61, was arrested on Oct. 11, 2024, for a DWI charge. His charges were later upgraded to include a negligent homicide charge.
A probable cause affidavit said Asplund was driving near the intersection of Kelley Highway and North 44th Street in Fort Smith. As he turned right onto Kelley Highway, he reportedly hit a 13-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the road in front of Asplund's truck.
Man faces new charge after teen killed on Kelley Highway
Officers with the Fort Smith Police Department responded to the incident and found Asplund was 'tense, lethargic, and sleepy, almost falling asleep during portions of their contact with him.'
The affidavit said Asplund failed multiple field sobriety tests at the scene.
Asplund told authorities that he took Nyquil, ketorolac, Tylenol and melatonin the night before the alleged incident. A drug recognition expert was at the scene and determined Asplund was under the influence of a narcotic analgesic, the affidavit said.
Urine and blood samples were taken from Asplund and taken to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
His trial date, originally set for March 17, was delayed because of pending crime lab results. The new trial date has been set for May 19.
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