From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
WINSTON COUNTY — The attorney for a couple charged in connection to a tragic boating accident on July 4 released a statement a day after the arrest was announced.
Attorney Jason P. Knight said Nick and Jodi Suggs turned themselves into the Winston County Sheriff’s Office after being informed of two misdemeanor warrants against them. Knight said the couple was never placed behind bars.
“They were booked in on the misdemeanor warrants, immediately bonded out and were released,” said Knight, in a statement. “They were treated with the utmost respect and professionalism by the Winston County Sheriff’s Office and jail personnel.”
The attorney went on to say that Mr. and Mrs. Suggs are respectable people and they deny the misdemeanor charges against them.
ALEA Marine Patrol (left) and Christian Aid Boat (right). Photo: ALEA
“They have both cooperated with the investigation of this boating accident since day one,” Knight said. “It is confounding to us that the Alabama Marine Police Officer has now filed charges against the driver of BOTH the vessels involved in this wreck. It makes zero sense.”
Nick Suggs, 50, and Jodi Suggs, 50, both of Decatur, are charged with criminally negligent homicide in connection to the death of Kelsey Starling.
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Starling, 26, was killed in the crash in Rock Creek, according to ALEA. Her body has not been recovered. Efforts to recover Starling’s body resumed on Monday, Aug. 19 and will continue through Friday, Aug. 23.
According to the statement, the Suggs are extending their thoughts and prayers to all families affected by the accident.
The operator of the boat that Starling was on was arrested and charged with boating under the influence.
The 25th Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Winston County will prosecute the case against the Suggs.
