(WICHITA, Kan.) — After almost two days of deliberations, a jury says it cannot reach a verdict in the case of Matthew Noel. Noel was one of two men charged in the accident that killed a 5-year-old Amber Randolph. Noel was charged with aggravated battery, involuntary manslaughter and driving while suspended. Prosecutors must now decide whether to retry the case.
Jurors told Eyewitness News reporter Dave Roberts they couldn't agree on who was responsible for the accident. They say the differing testimony about whether Noel was speeding made it impossible to make a decision. They were split 6-6.
The accident in question happened back in February. Randolph was riding with her mom along Kellogg when police say Noel's vehicle jumped the barrier and hit their car head on. The District Attorney's office argued that Noel and another man Ronald Bevan were racing down Kellogg after spending hours drinking together. The prosecution says Noel intentionally downshifted before hitting a snowbank that killed Amber.
