An Aumsville man accused of killing a woman in a DUII hit-and-run was denied release from jail Thursday after he requested access to an in-patient alcohol abuse treatment program.
Eric Raymond Webb, 49, is currently held without bail in the Marion County Jail as he awaits trial for the death of Julia Aubrey Wade, 26, of Salem.
Webb allegedly struck Wade with his truck as she walked through an intersection in Salem the night of Jan. 21, causing serious injuries that resulted in Wade’s death in May. Webb allegedly fled the scene and was apprehended that night in Keizer, and allegedly told police he drove away to enjoy his “last moments of freedom.”
Webb is facing numerous charges including first-degree manslaughter, DUII and failure to perform duties of a driver. If convicted he faces at least 10 years in prison.
Webb was initially held without bail, then on July 13 his attorney Jason Short requested release so Webb could receive in-patient treatment through Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Short said, when the residential portion of the program was complete, Webb could continue out-patient treatment while on house arrest with an ankle monitor.
Short argued treatment was vital because Webb suffers from severe alcohol use disorder, a diagnosis confirmed through mental health evaluations conducted in April. A report from the evaluator said Webb has abused alcohol since age 12, and as an adult would regularly drink an entire 12-pack or 24-pack of beer in one sitting.
The motion also said Webb suffers from borderline personality disorder and trauma related to childhood abuse, and attempted suicide at least once in 2010. Because of these factors, Short argued in-patient treatment was Webb’s best chance for long-term recovery.
A release hearing was held Wednesday before Judge Tracy Prall and on Thursday Prall issued an order denying Webb’s release and upholding his no-bail status.
Prall said the facts of the case provide strong evidence against Webb and demonstrate his willingness to violate the law. Prall also noted Webb’s criminal history, which includes eight DUII convictions and four reckless endangering convictions between 2008 and 2019.
Combined with Webb’s history of substance abuse and mental health disorders, Prall said the defendant poses a threat to the public and should be held pending trial.
“There is clear and convincing evidence…that there is a danger of physical injury to members of the public by the defendant while on release,” said Prall.
