Michigan State staff member Adam Young is not guilty of a moving vehicle causing the death of an MSU student on a moped after his trial concluded in East Lansing 54B District Court today.
Young, 23, and MSU student Tiana Seville were involved in a two-vehicle crash in January when the salt truck he was operating collided with Seville's moped at the intersection of Shaw Lane and Chestnut Road.
The courtroom was full of spectators, Seville's loved ones, as well as Young's.
"I felt it was important to come here because I could have easily been him in that situation." Christopher Wayne, chief steward of the MSU service worker's union said. "I was a grounds employee myself and we drive everyday, more than we drive in our personal lives, and I felt that it was a case that could touch any one of our members that we represent that drives on campus."
After the jury's verdict was announced, many of Seville's family and friends remained in the courtroom after many cleared out — some had shed tears.
"The whole thing was a tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and their loss," Andrew Abood, Young's attorney, said. " ... It's really hard to feel happy when you can obviously feel the loss. It was palpable in the room."
Correction: This story was updated at 9:24 p.m. to reflect that Young is still employed by MSU.
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