The driver in a Labor Day vehicular accident that killed two children and injured two others faces two counts of murder and two counts of assault and DWI charges, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

James L. Green, dob: 10/24/1955, of Odessa, MO., faces Murder 2nd Degree for killing two persons when he struck from behind the victims' vehicle while driving while intoxicated; two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, Driving While Intoxicated -- Aggravated Offender and Driving While Revoked.*

According to court records, Missouri Highway Patrol responded on the evening of Sept. 5, 2016, to an injury accident on eastbound Interstate 70, west of Adams Dairy Parkway exit in Blue Springs. They helped the driver of a Cadillac Escalade out of his vehicle, on its side. He was identified as the defendant, James L. Green. He had minor injuries. A MHP investigation revealed Green overtook and struck the rear of the vehicle in which victims were traveling. At the emergency room, a Highway Patrol Trooper reported the strong odor of intoxicants coming from the defendant. He told the Trooper, "I had cruise control on. I was on my way home. I looked down at my phone to swipe to change the song. I did not look up. I was still looking down when the impact happened." Green stated he had been drinking before the crash. The defendant previously refused to give a breath test. Two blood draws were later taken. In the vehicle that Green struck, two children, ages 13 and 7, were killed. The father, who was driving, was injured severely. Green's driver's license was suspended and he had prior convictions for DWI.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $200,000 cash.

For more information, contact:

Michael Mansur
Director of Communication
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor
Work : (816) 881-3812
Mobile: (816) 674-3954
mmansur@jacksongov.org
http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com

*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.