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Feb. 18, 2019Maryville, MO |  By: John Coffey

Catterson found guilty of DWI death of another not a passenger

After just under three hours of deliberation Saturday, a Nodaway County jury found a 22-year-old Maryville resident guilty of DWI death of another individual not a passenger. Alex Allen Catterson was charged in connection with the January 7th, 2018 incident where he drove his pick up into the front of the Palms Bar at 422 North Buchanan in Maryville resulting in the death of a 19-year-old Northwst Missouri State student, Morgan McCoy of Liberty, Missouri.
The police investigation indicated Catterson's blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit the night of the crash. Catterson's attorney attempted to convince the jury the accident was caused by a broken tie rod in the pick up and not Catterson's blood alcohol level. Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice says he feels two main reasons led to the jury's verdict.

"The facts of this case really boil down to there's significant video of the defendant prior to operating a motor vehicle.  Plus there was an accident reconstructionist from the Missouri State Highway Patrol that performed an analysis on this case that developed important details and information to describe the manner of which Catterson was driving his truck that led to him losing control and crashing into the building of the Palms bar that ultimately led to the death of Morgan."

Rice says sentencing for Catterson is scheduled for April, 19th at 1:30 pm in Nodaway County Circuit Court.

"The court did give the defense additional time to file all post-trial motions, which I expect will happen.  On April 19th, the court will first take up the post-trial motions and if those matters are overuled, then the court will proceed to sentencing where I expect there to be evidence and victim statements made.  The judge will have a range of punishment that he can impose on this case anywhere from probation up to 15 years in prison or somewhere in between."

Catterson is currently being held in the Nodaway County Jail with bond increased to 150 thousand dollars.