Century Man Pleads No Contest In Connection With DUI Death Of His Brother; Sentencing In February

December 23, 2008

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Monday, a Century man accused in a drunk driving accident that killed his brother in early 2007 entered a plea of “no contest” to a DUI manslaughter charge in Escambia County Circuit Court.

John William Lance, 28, was charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with the death of his brother, Jack Lance, 33 of Holt.

John Lance entered the plea on Monday. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond; he will be sentenced February 17, 2009.  He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Jack Lance was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on Highway 29 near Whirlpool Road south of Bluff Springs on February 28, 2007.

Circuit Judge Paul Rasmussen found Lance incompetent to stand trial in September of 2007 after the results of a psychological exam. That ruling was later overturned, finding Lance competent to stand trial.

Lance refused a breath test at the Escambia County jail after the accident. He was taken to West Florida Hospital where a blood test was performed. The evidence from that test is expected to be presented at this week’s trial.

The Florida Highway Patrol says Lance was driving north on Highway 29 near Whirlpool Road when he lost control, overcorrected and hit an 18-wheel log truck. Jacky Lance was ejected from the 1992 Pontiac driven by his brother. Dylan Lance, John Lance’s four year old son, was transported from the scene by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital. His injures were minor. Another passenger, Michael Livingston, 19, was transported by ambulance to West Florida Hospital. Livingston was treated and released.

Ronnie Watson, the driver of the 18-wheeler, suffered minor injuries but was not transported to the hospital.

Pictured above: John William Lance’s booking photo taken Monday after he entered a no contest plea in connection with the DUI death of his brother.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News