Jennifer Andersson Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Douglas Jackson, 23, of Palmyra, appeared in court Wed., July 10, for a preliminary hearing in connection with the June 29 death of Stephanie Burns.
Bobby Meadows, 30, was the first witness on the stand. He testified that there was beer on board, along with a gallon of water, sodas and a small bottle of liquor in the cooler. He also stated that he was aware of Burns’ inability to swim well.
“She could swim enough to keep her head above water, other than that she didn’t really have any (swimming abilities),” Meadows said. He also claimed that Jackson insisted he, Meadows and Amber Bradley, then 20, collaborate to “get our stories together.”
During her testimony, Bradley denied Jackson said that, but said “there may have been” a collaboration of stories, however, prior to the 911 call, but she said she couldn’t remember.
Both Meadows and Bradley admitted their initial sworn statements were untrue, at least in part, and both revised them in written and voice-recorded statements in the days to follow.
“I didn’t want to see anyone get in trouble, but it was eating me up,” Meadows said regarding his reason for changing his story.
The defense attorneys played a recording of the 911 call for the court. All parties involved, including family members, displayed emotion at some point while it played.
Jackson was charged with possession/purchase of alcohol for minors, and violation of boating registration, resulting in $1,000 bond for each violation. He was also charged $50,000 bond for vehicular homicide.
Additionally, presiding judge Ken Goble, Jr., said in court that considering the alcohol involvement, boat speed, and reckless behavior preceding the incident, all which violate probation, Jackson is to serve a six-month jail sentence.