SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Nearly a decade after Karlton Walker was killed in a crash in San Antonio, a new jury is hearing the case against the man accused of causing his death.<\/p>\n
James Kearns is charged with intoxication manslaughter in Walker\u2019s March 14, 2017 death.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors say Walker, 50, was walking near McCarty Road and San Pedro Avenue when a vehicle struck him. Walker died at the scene.<\/p>\n
The case has taken an unusual path through the criminal justice system, with multiple delays preventing a jury from hearing all the evidence until now.<\/p>\n
It took about a year for Kearns to be indicted. In November 2021, a jury was sworn in to hear the case, but the trial ended after a juror contracted COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Kearns later challenged whether he could be tried again, arguing that doing so would violate his protection against double jeopardy. The appeal halted proceedings, but the challenge was ultimately denied.<\/p>\n
The case continued through numerous trial settings before a new trial date was set this year.<\/p>\n
During testimony, one of the first responding officers described seeing Walker lying unconscious on the ground and said they could smell intoxicants on Kearns\u2019 breath.<\/p>\n
The jury will hear the evidence and determine whether prosecutors have proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.<\/p>\n
If convicted, Kearns faces up to 20 years in prison.<\/p>\n