An Aumsville man accused of killing a Salem woman in a fatal DUII collision two years ago has had his trial for manslaughter set over again due to the unavailability of an expert witness.
Eric Raymond Webb, 51, was scheduled to stand trial Jan. 7 in Marion County Circuit Court for a Jan. 21, 2023, collision that resulted in the death of Julia Aubrey Wade, 26.
On Dec. 12, 2024, Judge Tracy Prall granted a continuance due to the unavailability of defense witness Kenn Meneely, a toxicology consultant with Willamette Valley Forensics.
The trial has been re-scheduled to start Feb. 12, with a pre-trial hearing set for Jan. 29.
During the trial, prosecutors are expected to present evidence that Webb had alcohol, opioid painkillers, a muscle relaxant and anti-seizure medication in his blood the night he was arrested. The defense is expected to challenge these toxicology results, as well as argue Webb suffers from debilitating alcohol addiction and would benefit more from treatment than from prison.
This is the third trial continuance in the case after three previous trials during January, May and October of 2024 were set over. The first two delays occurred after Webb changed attorneys, and the third delay came after his public defender requested more time to secure an expert witness.
On the night of the collision, Wade was crossing an intersection in Salem at Lancaster Drive and Rickey Street SE when Webb allegedly struck her with his pickup. She was hospitalized in critical condition and died from her injuries April 27, 2023.
Webb, a former veterinarian, had been driving from a holiday party held by employer The Pet Clinic, of Salem, where he allegedly had been drinking. After Wade was struck, Webb allegedly led police on a high-speed chase before being apprehended late that night on the 1900 block of Claxter Road NE, in Keizer.
Webb is charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, hit-and-run, DUII, aggravated driving while revoked, attempt to elude and reckless driving. If convicted he faces at least 10 years in prison. Prosecutors plan to ask for more time due to his several prior DUII convictions and the level of harm caused by his latest alleged offense.
Since his arrest, Webb has been lodged in the Marion County Jail without bail.
