Traverse City Record-Eagle

Antrim County

April 13, 2009

Crash trial begins today

Motorcyclist is accused in crash that killed woman

BY ART BUKOWSKI

BELLAIRE -- A man charged with causing a motorcycle crash that killed a Kalkaska mother will stand trial this week.

Authorities charged Joshua J. Smith, of Kalkaska, with a felony count of operating while intoxicated causing death after an Aug. 24 crash that killed Devin McCammon, 30. Smith faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The two were on a motorcycle on M-88 near Grass River Road near Bellaire around 9:40 p.m. when the motorcycle left the road on a sharp curve and crashed into some signs, police said.

McCammon was pronounced dead at the scene, and Smith, 31, suffered minor injuries.

Smith's trial is scheduled to begin today in front of 13th Circuit Judge Thomas G. Power in Bellaire.

Smith's attorneys likely will attempt to show that he wasn't driving the motorcycle, investigators said.

"They're disputing the cause of the motorcycle crash and who the driver was," said Michigan State Police Trooper Stephen Porter, who helped investigate the crash.

McCammon worked as an office manager at Anderson Installation Services in Traverse City. She left behind a 6-year-old son.

"She was a wonderful mom," said Julie Lautner, a former co-worker and close friend of McCammon. "She lived for her son, she really did."

Lautner, who said McCammon and Smith had been dating "on-and-off" throughout the summer, hopes Smith is convicted.

"I would like to see Joshua serve as much time as possible," she said.

Smith's attorney, Jesse Williams, of Traverse City, declined comment.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin this morning. The trial is scheduled through Friday.

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