The Licking County Common Pleas Court resumed its trial proceedings on Thursday for Jacob McDonald, the semi-truck driver facing multiple charges in the fatal Interstate 70 crash. McDonald stands accused of causing a collision in November 2023 that claimed the lives of six individuals, including three high school students from Tuscarawas Valley, as reported by FOX8. This bench trial, where Judge David Branstool will render the verdict without a jury's input, is expected to wrap up after three to four days of testimonies and evidence presentations.
Pioneering the defense's approach, attorney Chris Brigdon challenged the evidence regarding McDonald's cellphone activity at the time of the crash. Sergeant Trevor Jasper of the Ohio State Highway Patrol testified that the phone was actively receiving data but was unfortunately destroyed in the accident. This revelation, captured by WKYC, leaves room for speculation on whether McDonald was distracted by the device upon collision. Despite the device's destruction, Jonathan Buffington, a digital forensic expert, asserted, "It is my professional opinion that this cellular device was active. Because it was active it created an opportunity to be distracted and caused the driver to move his eyes from the road."
The court heard a particularly heartfelt account from Donald Wagler, the driver of the bus carrying the Tuscarawas Valley band students, who described the terrifying moment of impact. Wagler recalled steering hard to the right to avoid further casualties—a maneuver he believes saved additional lives. "It felt like I was hit by a ton of bricks. As soon as I was hit, I turned my wheel to the right to avoid interacting with the traffic in front of me," Wagler shared in an emotional testimony obtained by WKYC. McDonald's indictment includes six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide among the 26 total charges, and he has been held on a $1 million bond since his booking in July 2024.
Outside the courtroom, support for the affected families and friends extended beyond the legal proceedings. A chaplain group sat, providing comfort to the loved ones and school representatives watching the trial's development from an overflow room, per WKYC's onsite coverage. The Tuscarawas Valley community continues to grieve as the trial unfolds, seeking closure from the tragic incident that brought unexpected loss and heartache to many.
