Surprise witness or is it a surprise
To many the no info filed on the two charges dropped by the State of Florida came as a surprise. Many have expressed outrage as well.
Cruising the news stories and forums, you will see many ideas posted as to their belief on why the 2 charges were not filed along with the DUI Manslaughter against Billy Lane.
A few have stated that it is not uncommon for the prosecutor to drop the lessor charges and go after the higher charge. The prosecuting attorney will have more time to devote to the single charge this way. Well, maybe.
I have tried not to form any opinions on this case, basing the better part of my posts on fact and evidence. I did leave a couple of messages with the State Attorneys Office to speak with the prosecutor appointed to the criminal case against Billy Lane. No telephone call was returned.
What I did come across, however, is the witness list filed by Kepler Funk on October 23rd. with the Brevard County Clerk of Courts. Funk is the attorney of record for the defendant, Billy Lane in the criminal case of State of Florida versus William Lane. Contained in this witness list is one Erin Derrick. You will recall that Ms. Derrick was the 22 year old female passenger in the Dodge pickup that Billy Lane was driving on September 4th. Erin Derrick was injured in the crash that took the life of Gerald Morelock. Yet, very little has been published about the passenger other than her being injured and spending a few days in the hospital.
Up until today when I took possession of this document, the reason as to why the 2 charges were dropped were a question to me. I think that question has been answered.
Related: A story told of a tragedy in the making
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October 27th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
I heard that Erin said she was driving the Doge truck that was loaned to Billy night Mr. Morelock was killed. I hope that the first on the scene of the accident say otherwise. If they can prove she was driving Billy gets out of all the charges.
I spoke to a criminal attorney and he also stated that the lesser charges are sometimes dropped……..but not usually in a case like this where EVERYBODY and this includes Billy Lane knew that Billy did not have license. I hope Erin does not lie and one must remember thus far she has not sued Billy Lane or Chrysler. This does make one wonder why she has not sued.
October 28th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Erin Derrick and Billy have been involved for some time. She is not the stripper most people have reported her as. No way will she testify against him.
October 29th, 2006 at 5:00 pm
My point was that Ms Derrick has been portrayed as someone she is not. She is a partyer, as are her friends, but she was not a one-night stand as far as Lane is concerned. Lots of garbage out in cyber-space – thanks for keeping it real.
November 1st, 2006 at 8:37 pm
I don’t think Billy Lane should be judged on who he. Everyone makes bad decisions and no one is per
perfect, we all make mistakes. Yes he killed a man and my heart goes out to that family, but it is not like he is not like he planned to do it and it is not like some other “biker” hasn’t done the same thing
and yes he needs to deal with the consequences of his bad decision, but don’t pass judgement on
him because he is Billy Lane. He has to live with himself the rest of his life is that not
punishment enough? I’m sorry but I’m a firm believer in the fact that everyone deserves a
second chance and forgiveness.
November 2nd, 2006 at 4:55 am
BL was found in the drivers seat by bcso who arrived on scene prior to fire rescue and imo
I don’t see how they switched seats due to the inability to open the passenger side door and a caved in middle roof. Along with that, there was a live residental powerline/pole snagged on the
undercarriage of the truck that was secured prior to BL and his passenger being attended to.
Stoney, there is a wild rumor going around that BL has a pregnant girlfriend other than Emily
and he was in fact “busted” being with Emily by this other woman….
At any rate, I’m really curious to find out about these 2 charges being dropped, keep up
the good work MO.
November 3rd, 2006 at 10:38 am
If that is true that Erin will say she was driving it all makes sense as
to why she hasnt sued yet. Also makes sense of her to be a witness, but heres what doesnt make
sense. Upon arrival at the scene Billy was slumped over in the drivers seat,Erin
spent 2 days in the hospital recovering (but she could switch places with billy???)
three cars that they passed can be used as witnesses are you saying not one of those
people ran over to the truck to see if they were ok? Considering the severity of
the crash they had time to be with it enough to say um yeah lets switch billy you
with no license say you were driving??? come on now!!!
and wouldnt charges of manslaughter be put on Erin? Damn if thats the case he must tip
great at the strip club!!!
October 28th, 2006 at 12:13 am
Sandie,
What you have been told is hearsay.
The evidence in this case is very strong to point otherwise. Because of all the facts and eveidence in this case, for the senario you have been told it would mean that all of the witnesess on the night of September 4th were seeing an illusion.
I just don’t see how anybody could pull that one off.
October 28th, 2006 at 9:55 am
I think that has become quite obvious Stoney.
October 29th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
I kind of figured that Stoney, but did not know for sure. Thanks for the information and contribution.
January 27th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Mike why did you refer to Erin as being a surprise witness? Now why do you understand why two of the charges against Lane were dropped? I have heard Lane is a “HUGH” tipper at the bars as well as family owned restaurants that he dines at in Sebastian. Yes, Lane is good at throwing money to someone for good service. Nothing wrong with being a good tipper.To dat Erin has not filed any charges against Lane…..that does make a curious cat wonder why. To sue somebody is the American way. I think that yes….somebody or all of the passengers in the three cars that Lane was speeding by in a no passing zone stopped and ran up to see if they could render aid to Billy or Erin before Fire/Rescue got there. This was indeed a horrific wreck and described as a gruesome site.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I think this case is being swept under the carpet as many things in this county are money talks and we know bullshit walks.From county employees to celebrity bike builders for some reason the crimes go unpunished.