DA explains legal distinctions in charges related to 3-year-old Royal Rhodes’ death
The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is attempting to provide clarify on the legal distinctions in the death of 3-year-old Royal Rhodes, who was struck and killed near a hotel in October.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is attempting to provide clarify on the legal distinctions in the death of 3-year-old Royal Rhodes, who was struck and killed near a hotel in October.
“We hear your concerns about the recent tragic incident involving the death of three-year-old Royal Rhodes,” District Attorney Anita Howard wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. “Many community members have asked about the distinction between an accident and a criminal act under Georgia law”
John Battle, Jr., has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular homicide, according to a statement released Friday by Howard.
At about 3 a.m. on October 14, Battle was driving near the hotel when he struck the child. The DA’s statement said video evidence shows Battle stopped his vehicle and got out to investigate. Law enforcement determined he was unable to see the child’s body in the roadway.
Royal had been staying at the hotel with an adult guardian, who, according to the statement, acknowledged being aware of the child’s history of wandering outside during both daytime and nighttime hours.
“Due to these circumstances, the facts and the law, John Battle, Jr., was formally charged with Misdemeanor Vehicular Homicide, as there are different levels of vehicular homicide in the State of Georgia,” the statement reads.
After consulting with his attorney, Battle pleaded guilty and took accountability for driving in a manner that created unsafe conditions, leading to Royal’s death, the DA’s Office said.
The DA’s Office said investigators interviewed several people, including the child’s family and witnesses at the hotel, to determine culpability.
“This investigation remains active. Members of the public with any information regarding this case are urged to contact the prosecutor’s office,” the statement concluded.
