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Walker to face felony charges

By Staff | Mar 4, 2009

Paul J. Lyttle, III was the Associate Warden at Mt. Olive Correctional Facility. He died Nov. 24, 2008 as a result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident on W.Va. 18. Michael S. Walker has been charged in connection with the death.

The driver in a 2008 accident that resulted in the death of his passenger is being charged with a felony.

Michael S. Walker, 36, of 142 Pine Lake Drive, Scott Depot, was charged Feb. 17 with driving under the influence (DUI) causing death. A warrant was issued for Walker on Feb. 17 with Walker surrendering to Tyler County Sheriff deputies on Feb. 20. He was released on a $3,000 personal recognizance bond.

A preliminary hearing has not been set as of press time.

The incident occurred Nov. 23, 2008. Deputy J.K. Maston investigated a single-vehicle crash that occurred along W.Va. 18. Maston took a statement from Walker admitting to being the driver of the vehicle. A statement was also taken from a witness to the crash. The witness said Walker came up behind him at a high rate of speed and was tailgating him. The vehicle then passed the witness in a non-passing zone and continued on at high speeds. Walker lost control and crashed, killing the passenger, Paul J. Lyttle III, 36, of Charleston.

Maston subpoenaed Walker’s medical records, which showed Walker had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .220. Maston then contacted Jeff Osbourne with the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab and had the BAC converted with a result of .189, over twice the legal limit of.08.

If convicted, Walker could face two to 10 years in prison and face a $1,000 to $3,000 fine.