EASTON, Pa. – It’s been almost four years since an early-morning crash in Northampton County killed a family of three.

One judge tossed out the most charges against the New Jersey man accused of causing the wreck on Route 33.

Prosecutors re-filed the charges, and the accused man is now on trial.

12 jurors will decide whether 36-year-old Nelson Segura’s alleged impairment is the reason behind the crash that killed Darrell and Alexis Robinson and their 16-year-old daughter Tahlia Robinson.

Segura is accused of driving under the influence and killing the family from Monroe County, along Route 33 in Bushkill Township, Northampton County in March 2022.

Nearly four years after the tragic crash, Segura sat inside a Northampton County Courthouse courtroom during day one of proceedings.

District Attorney Stephen Baratta and Segura’s defense attorney both gave their opening statements.

The defense attorney said the jury should prepare to hear and see disturbing evidence, calling it a “difficult trial”.

During the statements, Segura sat with his head buried in his hands.

According to court paperwork, Segura allegedly slammed his box truck into the family’s Toyota Rav 4 and told police he didn’t have enough time to stop the truck, saying it slid on the road.

State Police on scene asked Segura if he was distracted and investigators said he told them he “may have looked down for two seconds”, adding that he “doubts it”.

Investigators said Segura was observed to have bloodshot eyes, acting nervous and repeatedly asked police if he will be charged.

While searching the truck, police said they found several blunt packages and a marijuana cigar, and a blood test showed THC in his system.

Segura told police he last smoked marijuana at 8 p.m. the night before and waited before driving, telling officers he was “fine to drive.” 

The defense said that Segura barely had detectable levels of THC in his system and says it cannot be determined if Segura was impaired at the time of the crash.

Defense also argued that investigators did not find a lighter in the truck.

In the coming days, drug recognition experts and experts who will explain the standard procedures to determine impairment are expected to testify.

Court is expected to resume Tuesday morning.