37-year-old Robert Craft was initially charged with two counts of felony DUI involving death and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle after the October 28 crash that killed 10-year-old Haley and 7-year-old Cameron Upchurch.
Authorities say the 2 children were riding in a car with their 9-year-old sister, Christeena, and grandparents, Wayne and Teena Rabon, when the collision occurred on South Lake Dr.
Highway Patrol investigators ruled that Wayne Rabon, who was trying to enter a private driveway while driving the family home from church, pulled in front of Craft and that both parties contributed to the crash. Authorities concluded that Craft was legally drunk, but was driving slightly below the posted 55 MPH speed limit when the collision happened.
Christeena Upchurch and the Rabons were treated at the hospital and released. Cameron, however, died at the hospital shortly after accident and Haley passed away just a few days later.
Because of the MAIT team findings, Craft’s charges have been downgraded to DUI 2nd offense. He was due in court on Wednesday, but that appearance was re-scheduled to February 6th. He has been in jail with no bond since the accident.