A settlement may be at hand in lawsuits filed by the survivors of James Dodson, 68, and his eight-year-old granddaughter Jessica Mann against Edward Meerwald, the drunk driver who killed their loved ones, and the bar that supposedly served Meerwald.
Jasper County Circuit Court records indicate a settlement hearing has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, June 19, in Joplin. The lawsuits were filed by Mr. Dodson's widow, Betty Dodson, and Miss Mann's parents, Amy and Michael Mann. It is likely that the settlement hearing is between the survivors and the Pub Bar of Joplin, since Meerwald is currently a resident of the state correctional facility at Jefferson City.
Meerwald, 51, Noel, pleaded guilty March 8, 2005,to two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Mr. Dodson and Miss Mann, but has filed a motion to have his seven-year prison sentence set aside.
His attempt to get out of his prison sentence will be funded by the taxpayers. Anne R. Wells, Neosho, has been appointed to serve as a public defender for Meerwald, according to court records.
Meerwald was drunk on July 30, 2004, when his car left Highway 86 and hit Mr. Dodson and Miss Mann as they were standing in Dodson's driveway.
The deaths led to a successful effort by Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, to pass a bill increasing sentences for drunk drivers convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
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