A jury couldn't reach a verdict on eight counts of manslaughter against a Waldorf, Md., man in connection with a street-racing related accident that killed eight.
Tavon Taylor, 20, will be retried on those charges. He was convicted of reckless driving and engaging in a speed contest -- traffic offenses punishable by no more than $1,000 each.
On Feb. 16, 2008, at about 3 a.m., Darren Bullock plowed into a group of street racing fans along an isolated stretch of Route 210 in Accokeek while he and Taylor were racing each other in the early morning darkness, authorities said. The victims ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s.
The fans had spilled into the road to watch two other cars race off when they were hit from behind. Bullock and Taylor weren't part of the event that the fans had gone to watch.
Bullock, 21, of Waldorf, pleaded guilty to eight counts of vehicular manslaughter in Prince George's County Circuit Court Jan. 29. Sentencing guidelines for this case were probation to four years per count, Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey said. Bullock is likely facing 30 years with 15 suspended, prosecutors said.
Bullock's sentencing was scheduled for March 1 but delayed until Tuesday pending a verdict in Taylor's trial. Bullock was scheduled for sentencing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, with sentencing for Taylor on the reckless driving and street racing convictions to follow. At that time, a trial on the vehicular manslaughter charges will be set.
The crash cast a spotlight on an underground street-racing subculture in rural parts of Prince George's County and southern Maryland. Police cracked down on the practice afterward and say once-common races have faded.
