JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 24-year-old man charged in connection with a crash that killed a teacher and his 1-year-old son on Baymeadows Road appeared in court on Wednesday morning.
During the pretrial hearing, a judge set depositions for February in the case against Logan Fletcher Parker.
Parker’s court appearance came a month after he pleaded not guilty to two counts of DUI manslaughter in connection with the tragic death of Mitchell Patch and his son, Everett, who were hit and killed as they were leaving Wicked Barley in May.
Park was taken to a nearby hospital after the crash, where his blood alcohol level was .107, well above the legal limit.
JSO got a warrant for Park’s arrest after an investigation with the State Attorney’s Office. Traffic homicide investigations often take time to gather sufficient evidence for an arrest.
Park was arrested in early November, six months after the crash.
The incident has raised concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety in the area. City Councilman Joe Carlucci has been pushing for safety changes.
The Florida Department of Transportation’s evaluation of the Baymeadows Road at Goodby’s Executive Drive (across from Wicked Barley Brewing Company) found that there have been 12 crashes at the location since 2020. Two of the crashes involved pedestrians, along with a bicyclist.
The report recommends that a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Crosswalk and refuge island be added in the area.
“FDOT has since developed a candidate project that includes a signalized crossing and a pedestrian refuge island. Due to roadway geometry and safety requirements, the project will require additional right-of-way. Funding for this candidate project is dependent on the City of Jacksonville prioritizing it through the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO),” FDOT told News4JAX.
Park’s next court appearance was set for Feb. 11. The judge said they are expected to set a date for a trial on that day.