News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. D.S. Bracker

(417) 895-6767 ext. 253

D200533

September 30, 2005



EMPHASIS: Charges filed in Corporal Sampietro's Death.





Webster County Prosecuting Attorney Cynthia Black has filed second Degree Involuntary Manslaughter charges in connection with the death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Jay Sampietro on August 17, 2005.



Charged, is Wendy M. Chesher of Arkoma, Oklahoma in connection with an incident that occurred when Ms. Chesher’s vehicle struck and killed Corporal Jay Sampietro on Interstate-44 as he directed traffic.



Ms. Chesher has been charged with criminal negligence by failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, failing to reduce her speed, failing to change lanes, and failing to follow directions of the highway patrolman.



The charge for which the above person is accused is a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence of guilt must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.