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Around the state

Trucker faces perjury charge

By wire services
Published May 8, 2005

BUSHNELL - A trucker was found not guilty in the deaths of two good Samaritans killed at an accident scene along Florida's Turnpike in 2002 - but was immediately arrested on a perjury charge.

Robert Lee Jackson Jr., 38, of Valdosta, Ga., was cleared by a jury Friday of manslaughter by culpable negligence and other charges. The day before, Jackson testified that another man was driving a semitrailer truck that plowed into rescuers trying to help a Crystal River couple trapped in their pickup, which had overturned on the turnpike near Wildwood.

But in previous sworn statements, Jackson confessed he was driving the truck that killed Oviedo firefighter Shane Kelly, 26, and Winter Park obstetrician N. Donald Diebel Jr., 35, and injured four others, prosecutors said.

State Attorney Brad King said more perjury charges could follow. If convicted, Jackson could face five years in prison on each charge.

LEESBURG - A 94-year-old man who used a wheelchair died after he was found beaten in his garage.

Police said Saturday they have not identified a suspect in Friday's slaying of Irwin R. Null, who was found shortly after he was to meet a man who said he was interested in buying his van.

Police said a man met with Null Thursday night to talk about the van. The would-be buyer told Null he would be back Friday.

Null went into the garage Friday morning to meet with the man again. Later, Null's 91-year-old wife heard him moaning, but she couldn't get into the garage because his wheelchair was blocking the door. She called 911, and police broke down a side door.

The retired truck driver and World War II veteran was lying on the floor, with a head wound. He died a short time later at a hospital.

Police Capt. David L. Marden said nothing appeared to have been stolen.

[Last modified May 8, 2005, 00:45:19]