Odenville man convicted of criminally negligent homocide in 2012 crash

An Odenville man was found guilty Friday of two counts of felony criminally negligent homicide in a 2012 collision that claimed the lives of two motorcyclists.  39 year old Jason Stewart, was found guilty in the deaths of 63 year old Robert Wayne Long, of the Prescott community in St. Clair County, and 60 year old Debra Garza, of Clinton, Ark.  The wreck occurred June 27, 2012, on U.S. 411 in the vicinity of Bethel Baptist Church.  Prosecutors say that Stewart’s vehicle crossed the center line and traveled northbound in the oncoming lane. The victims were on a motorcycle heading southbound when they were struck head-on. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The state’s evidence showed Stewart was under the influence of a prescription medication at the time of the accident.  St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Bill Weathington tentatively set the sentencing hearing May 16. Both counts of criminally negligent homicide are Class C felonies, each punishable by a year and a day to 10 years in prison.