INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A Blue Springs lawyer charged with killing a MoDOT worker in a drunk driving crash appeared in court Monday for his preliminary hearing.
David Murdick, 35, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the Sept. 21 drunken driving accident that took the life of 50-year-old Clifton Scott — a MoDOT employee who was helping police at the scene of an accident on I-70 in Independence.
Police say Murdick drove through cones and flares before hitting Scott, and then Scott’s truck — which burst into flames.
Murdick’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, police said.
Scott’s loved ones say it was important for them to be in the courtroom Monday.
“To represent Clifton, to see justice,” said Scott’s fiance Monique Banks.
But Banks and Scott’s family are also frustrated that the wheels of justice are turning so slowly.
“I don’t understand, is all I can say, I don’t understand. Clifton has been gone four months. Mr. Murdick gets to be at home with his family,” Banks said. “I would like to see him do his time, that’s what I would love to see, because if the shoe was on the other foot, I don’t think this would be prolonged.”
Murdick had no comment as he left the courthouse. But Banks said she wants people to hear from her and remember the pain all this has caused her family, so perhaps they will think twice before drinking and driving.
“Please don’t drink and drive. When you take another person’s life, I don’t see how you could live with yourself, how you could wake up knowing you killed somebody,” Banks said, “it ain’t worth it.”
Murdick’s next court date is scheduled for March 6.
