Man charged in crash that killed family was involved in similar crash in 2007

Posted: Oct 17, 2015 1:21 PM CST Updated: Nov 14, 2015 1:21 PM CDT

 

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                           Photo of William Griggs, Kimberlynn Griggs, and Kassidy Leonard, from the Facebook event page announcing the celebration of life

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ERIN, TN (WSMV) -

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A New Johnsonville man is now behind bars in connection with a crash in Erin on Monday that killed three people, including an infant.

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The Houston County Sheriff’s Office confirms to Channel 4 that 37-year old Benjamin Franklin is being held on three counts of vehicular homicide.

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This comes as family, friends, and strangers came together Saturday to remember the victims.

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20-year old William Griggs, of Waverly, 19-year old Kassidy Leonard of Clarksville, and 10-day old Kimberlynn Griggs were all killed.

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According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol Franklin crossed the center line of Highway 13 and hit William Griggs’ car.

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A “celebration of life” for the victims was scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Friendship World Outreach, at 1510 Clydeton Road in Waverly.

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Back in 2007 Franklin was involved in similar fatal crash, this one in Montgomery, Indiana. An Indiana State Police report, obtained by Channel 4, accuses Franklin of crossing the line in the road and striking another car.

 

Franklin's passenger, 29-year old Matthew Beasley, was killed in that crash.

 

The reported stated Franklin apparently fell asleep at the wheel. It's not clear if charges were ever filed.

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