Grand Jury Indicts Hardwick for Intoxication Manslaughter

The Hardin County grand jury has indicted a woman on a charge of intoxication manslaughter in the death of a high school student who was struck while walking along a highway.

District Attorney Henry Coe tells KFDM News the grand jury met Tuesday, and among the indictments returned was an indictment for intoxication manslaughter against 24 year old Ashley Jean Hardwick of Beaumont.

The charge is a 2nd Degree Felony, and if convicted, she could face 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Investigators say she struck and killed 17 year old Zachary Spears at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18. Zachary was a junior at Lumberton High School. Zachary and another person were walking on Old Silsbee Highway, south of Holmes Road, when the teen was struck and killed. Witnesses say the vehicle left the scene.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KFDM News, witnesses identified a maroon Mercedes SUV as the vehicle that struck the teen. The affidavit states that Hardwick was identified as driving a maroon Mercedes SUV on the date of the accident, and it states she reportedly told people she had hit something with a vehicle in Lumberton on that date. The court document states a witness looked at a photo lineup and identified Hardwick as the driver.

Hardwick was accompanied by her father when she surrendered at the Hardin County Jail on Friday, December 21. She posted a $75,000 bond and was released from jail.

District Attorney Coe tells KFDM News the grand jury asked a judge to increase Hardwick's bond. Coe says the judge denied the request, but did impose several conditions on Hardwick, including a ban on driving.

Joe Fisher with the Provost Umphrey law firm is representing the Spears family. Fisher says he's studying the facts to determine whether to file a civil lawsuit.

Attorney James Makin represents Hardwick. Makin said he can't comment now, but will at a later date.

"Everyone truly regrets the unfortunate accident," said Makin. "Our thoughts and wishes are with the Spears family."

According to public records, in February, 2007, Hardwick received three years probation for an October, 2005 arrest in Jasper County on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. The charge is a State Jail Felony.