FARMINGTON – The trial for a Lincoln man accused of drunken driving that resulted in the death of a co-worker began Tuesday in Franklin County Superior Court.

Ryan A. Hurd, 22, faces charges of manslaughter and aggravated criminal operating under the influence related to the Oct. 17, 2007, fatal car accident on Route 27 in New Vineyard. The accident claimed the life of Terry “T.J.” Richardson Jr., 34, of Dover-Foxcroft and seriously injured Chad Bernier, 30, of Medway.

All three were co-workers for a construction company working on the construction of Poland Spring Water Bottling Plant in Kingfield.

All three occupants of the car were drinking heavily into early morning hours but only Hurd walked away from the accident with minor injuries, Assistant District Attorney James Andrews said during his opening statements Tuesday.

Evidence would point to Hurd as the owner and driver of the small car that went off the road and hitting a telephone pole, Andrews said.

“Tragically after striking the pole, the vehicle caught fire, burst into flames,” Andrews said.

Two people were trapped inside and Hurd was ejected from the vehicle, he said.
Hurd’s attorney, Richard Hartley, said his client was blackout drunk and evidence would point to Richardson as the driver of the car.

Three witnesses were called to the stand for testimony before the trial recessed at noon.