Driver held for trial in boyfriend's death
CRANBERRY TWP — A woman, whose boyfriend clung to her SUV as she drove away before falling and sustaining injuries resulting in his death, will stand trial.
Charges against Jessica A. Royall, 28, of Cranberry Township were held for court Friday. They include criminal homicide, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, recklessly endangering another person and several summary traffic offenses.
The charges stem from a March 23 incident that resulted in the death of Royall's boyfriend, Ryan Minett, 27, of New Brighton.
Court documents allege Royall drove her Buick Rendezvous a half-mile on Cross Creek Drive with Minett hanging from a luggage rack on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. He fell from the vehicle, striking a curb and a lamp post and sustaining injuries that resulted in his death the next day.
On Friday, Sgt. Matthew Irvin of the Cranberry Police Department testified during a preliminary hearing before District Judge David Kovach. Irvin said Royall's call to 911 indicated she was fearful of Minett, and asked police to respond.
Irvin said he later interviewed Royall at her residence, where she indicated she discovered money missing from her account as well as a bottle of Vicodin. She confronted Minett about it and an argument ensued.
Irvin said Royall indicated she left the home to avoid more arguing, and went to pick up her children in Allegheny County. She said as began to drive away, Minett jumped on the vehicle.
The original complaint indicates Minett held onto the vehicle while Royall drove from Boardwalk Drive to Waterlilly Lane, to Theda-Dori Street to Cross Creek Drive. He fell off the vehicle near the intersection with Little Pine Road, where he tumbled and hit a light pole.
Irvin said he interviewed 10 witnesses who saw all or portions of the incident. He said those witnesses reported hearing Minett yell, “What are you doing?” and “You're going to kill me,” while also yelling for bystanders to call the police.
They indicated Royall was speeding and drove through three stop signs. Though the original complaint states Royall indicated she attempted to stop at least four times to let Minett off, witnesses said otherwise.
“They never witnessed an opportunity where Mr. Minett could safely let go of the vehicle without injury,” Irvin said, adding that Royall's license was suspended at the time of the incident.
Irvin also attempted to share details about Royall's blood alcohol level during the hearing. Those test results were challenged by Royall's attorney, William Difenderfer. Royall was given three field sobriety tests, as well as a narcotics screening after the incident. She reportedly tested positive for cocaine and opiates.
Difenderfer said a major point of contention in the case is whether Royall's actions were caused by intoxication or she simply had alcohol and drugs in her system. He said having such a reading is not enough to file homicide while driving under the influence charges.
He also cross-examined Irvin and asked whether Irvin believed Royall showed signs of intoxication during the interview. Irvin said Royall smelled of alcohol but had indicated she had taken two shots of rum after returning home from the scene and before speaking with police.
Otherwise, he said, she showed no obvious signs, and police could find no indication of a domestic disturbance in the home.
After the hearing, Difenderfer said the 911 call, as well as Royall's actions, show she was fearful of Minett.
“There's no question” she was fearful, he said. “The victim ... on his own volition jumps on as she's getting away from him and hangs on. She goes through numerous intersections to try to shake him off but he stays on this vehicle. It's crazy.”
Difenderfer said a homicide charge is unfounded because Royall had no intention of killing Minett. He said Royall and Minett met online two months before the incident, and she knew about his past issues, leading to her concern.
Kovach held all charges for court, and scheduled a formal arraignment June 12 in front of Butler County Judge Thomas Doerr. Royall remains in jail, as the homicide charge carries a no-bond stipulation.
