State High Court Upholds Conviction in Drunken-Driving Case

Timothy Blackwell
The North Carolina Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a man convicted twice in the death of a Durham girl.

Authorities said Timothy Blackwell was drunk and high on drugs when he killed Megan Dail in 1997.

Blackwell was convicted of first-degree murder, but the conviction was later overturned. Four years ago, Blackwell was retried, found guilty and sentenced to up to 50 years in prison.

Blackwell's lawyers argued that the presiding judge in the case did not follow the law when he handed down that sentence.

The state Supreme Court ruled the judge did make a mistake but did not break the law when handing down Blackwell's sentence.


1 Comment


Golo

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

View Comments View Comments

Ask Anything
  1. Cam Ward
    10 questions with Hurricanes' Goalie Cam Ward

    Cam Ward answers your questions about winning the Stanley Cup, superstitions on game days and smack talk on the ice.

  2. RDU Airport Director John Brantley
    10 questions with RDU's airport director

    RDU Airport Director John Brantley answers your questions about the fear of flying, airport parking and more.

  3. Career advisor Alan Levinson
    10 questions with career advisor Alan Levinson

    Career Advisor Alan Levinson answers your questions about finding a job, writing a resume and perfecting the interview.

Multimedia
  1. Holiday Bounce game
    Holiday Bounce

    Help the holiday decorations to the tree.

  2. APTOPIX Japan Christmas
    The week in photos

    A look at the top news, politics and sports stories of the week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.

  3. APTOPIX_Australia_Kidman
    The week in entertainment

    A look at the top entertainment stories of the week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.

  4. Hillside v Southern Nov. 21, 2008
    Hillside vs. Southern Durham, Nov. 21, 2008

    Hillside got a 20-yard touchdown pass from Corey Gattis to Jharrison Gillespie for the game's only score, and the Hornets downed Southern Durham,…

  5. Middle Creek vs. Southeast on November 21, 2008
    Middle Creek vs. Southeast Raleigh

    See the images from Southeast Raleigh’s 47-17 win over Middle Creek.