Charges Dropped Against 1 Teen In Stop Sign Prank Death Case

A judge has dismissed charges against an Ohio teenager blamed for a fatal traffic crash caused by a stop sign concealed with petroleum jelly and plastic wrap.


The Columbus Dispatch says the judge ruled Monday there was insufficient evidence to support a charge of involuntary manslaughter against 18-year-old Derek Greenlee of Circleville. Nineteen-year-old Seth Stonerock of Stoutsville remains charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Circleville Law Director Gary Kenworthy tells the Dispatch (http://bit.ly/oBEmtc) that Stonerock admitted he wrapped the stop sign in plastic while Greenlee waited in their vehicle. Kenworthy says Greenlee told Stonerock the prank was “not a good idea” but did nothing to stop it.
Authorities say 85-year-old Mary Spangler died in the Aug. 17 crash when her 81-year-old sister, Jeanne Shea, drove past the stop sign and into another car. Shea died on Sept. 6.
The case will be considered by a grand jury.