Man arrested 3rd time since fatal DUI crash

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 17, 2008 at 12:12 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 17, 2008 at 12:12 PM EDT

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — A man sentenced to prison in 1990 for a drunken driving crash that killed two people has been arrested for a third time since the crash on suspicion of drunken driving.

A Madison County sheriff's deputy arrested Greg A. Barkdull, 51, of Anderson early Sunday after he said he saw Barkdull riding a motorcycle at 65 mph in a 45 mph zone.

A breath test determined Barkdull's blood-alcohol content was 0.11 percent, above Indiana's 0.08 percent legal limit for drunken driving, police said.

Barkdull was released from jail after posting bond. There was no phone listing for him in Anderson. Charges were still under review Tuesday, according to the Madison County prosecutor's office.

Barkdull pleaded guilty in 1990 to two counts of drunken driving resulting in death for causing the crash that killed Barbara Stoner, 22, and Doris Smith, 36. He was sentenced to two years in prison and six years of probation.

According to court records, he was charged again with misdemeanor drunken driving in December 2002 and felony drunken driving in January 2003. The last case resulted in a nearly 3-year prison sentence, a few months short of the maximum.

"That's three times since he killed two people," Brian Stoner, Barbara's brother, said Monday. "It's really getting kind of old. It's only a matter of time before he kills someone else. Here we are again."

___

Information from: The Herald Bulletin, http://www.theheraldbulletin.com

Friday, Jun 20 at 12:45 PM Mark wrote ...

Exactly!!! Am I missing something?

Friday, Jun 20 at 11:10 AM Time for Change wrote ...

Life without parole should never be an option. All it does is fill our prisons and cost tax dollars to take care of scum. If someone is so "bad" they can never be released back into the public, put them down !!!!!

Thursday, Jun 19 at 2:07 PM Mark wrote ...

Joel makes sense. This isn't a sickness. It's a choice people make. As he's stated, the facts are clear for all to see. Problem with DUI is too many people (including lawmakers and judges) do it too often, and it's winked at because they know they could end up in the same predicament. Let's stop talking like this is a big tragedy and start being real and addressing the hideous crime for what it is. I'm so sick of the demagoguery from the "educated" types as well as "drunk sympathizers".

Thursday, Jun 19 at 2:02 PM Joel wrote ...

To 9:15 Walker, I think paying with your life is the only punishment for anyone who kills another with their car due to any avoidable circumstance....ie, drinking, cell phone use, reading, texting. When you get behind the wheel of a car you are to DRIVE. Period! Why do we have traction control and stability control and millions of other safety devices in our car? To help the stupid morons who can't drive and protect those of us who can.

Thursday, Jun 19 at 1:26 PM Joel wrote ...

Here are some stats from Total DUI.com: 17,013 people were killed in 2003 by drunk drivers. That accounted for 40% of all traffic deaths in 2003. Hence, drunk driving is THE LEADING cause of traffic deaths in America. I retract my previous statement that this jerk didn't intend to kill these two people. In fact, I believe every single person who drives drunk intends to kill someone. These stats prove that! If you have to drink, don't drive!

Thursday, Jun 19 at 1:11 PM Joel wrote ...

To Mishawaka. I agree with you that this jerk did not intend to commit murder BUT he has continued to practice the same behavior which did kill two people. Most people who drink and drive continue to do so over and over. I know. I was a cop and arrested these dirt bags over and over. Regarless of whether or not he did this with intent, two people are now dead. He should pay with his life. How is that harsh? Isn't what he did a little harsh? By the way, I'm not rude. I tell the truth.

Thursday, Jun 19 at 11:02 AM Mark wrote ...

Can someone explain why we should spend $25K a year from our tax dollars to feed and clothe someone like this? He's already killed. So now we "put him away for life". Why? Does it make you feel better? Do you not know our prisons are packed? That's likely why this looser was let out again. C'mon people... It's time we faced reality. Take your vote seriously this Nov. These judges matter... not to mention representatives.

Thursday, Jun 19 at 10:50 AM Mark wrote ...

Mishawaka.... You are part of the problem. "Highly educated" people, as you assert yourself to be, are the ones electing these "enlightened" judges who let murderers off for killing people with their cars. (and yes, its murder. There's plenty of precedent.) You know it, I know it. Tolerance is not civility. The dense person is you. If you don't have enough humanity to be passionate about this sort of injustice then you have been educated into stupidity. We're not impressed by your elitism.

Thursday, Jun 19 at 12:44 AM Anonymous wrote ...

He has had far too many times to "clean up his act" put him away.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 9:15 PM WALKER wrote ...

OK , WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TALKING ON THE PHONE AND HIT SOMEONE ? LIKE THE TEEN THAT JUST HIT ME ! IF YOUR DOING ANYTHING THAT HINDERS YOUR DRIVING SKILLS THE 3 STRIKE THING SHOULD APPLY ! PUTTING ON MAKEUP, READ THE PAPER OR EATING.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 7:13 PM V wrote ...

It's time to stop being too cool to write our representatives. The cops can't do anything unless the laws are changed. They can only enforce the laws we have. Send a message to your legislators: Stop crowding the prisons with non-violent offenders; KEEP violent people in a cage away from the rest of us. That is the purpose of a cage. Writing your legislators is easier than ever; they give us a way to do it online. After all, we're smart enough to do that much.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 5:41 PM nathan wrote ...

the state should be held accountable for this...Three times after serving time for killing people!??? It is simply inexcusable. Even more so if this guy harms another while dui.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 4:06 PM Mishawaka wrote ...

Joel, I think jail for life is fine. The death penalty is harsh. It really is. I don't drink in the first place, never have. I don't agree with drinking and driving but I don't think he commited murder with intent. I am sure he never intended to kill anyone. He did and that is wrong but I have read many of your posts and you are very rude to a lot of people. So I will consider your lack of education and not be offended by a statement from someone as dense as you.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 1:23 PM Mark wrote ...

Hey 'Mishawka'... Put the bottle down and get some help. Do they let you vote too? God help us!! BTW... It's acually spelled Mishawaka. You'll need that for the bail release form.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 1:18 PM Joel wrote ...

To 11:18 Mishawaka, let's get something straight. This man killed two people. His actions directly caused their deaths. In my book that's murder. Why should I be put to death for making a mistake? Drinking, driving and killing two people is just a mistake? Backing into your neighbor's car is a mistake. This is murder. I bet if your closest family member were killed by a drunk driver you may feel different. Of course I wouldn't be suprised if you'd be the one driving.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 1:06 PM Susie wrote ...

Murders 2 people and out in 2 years to do it again? How many more have to die before this self centered dirtbag is locked up and kept locked up until he dies?

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 1:00 PM walkerton wrote ...

Three stikes and your out. Lock him up for ten or twenty years with no early out. He has not learned anything and has no control over himself.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 11:18 AM Mishawka wrote ...

Wow! What a bunch of hateful spiteful people you are. Hope you never do anything wrong and if you do I hope you get put to death for it. Jail as a habitual offender yes. The death sentence. Get real! I believe all of you who just responded are menatally ill. How did you escape from Westville?

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 9:55 PM anonymous wrote ...

Enough already. Please put this guy away before he kills more innocent people!!!!!! Why wasn't he sentenced to death or life in prison the first time when he killed two people?

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 2:55 PM Mark wrote ...

If you don't like this crap, stop voting in liberal politicians and judges. Otherwise, keep your will up to date.

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 2:49 PM Joel wrote ...

Okay all you people who love to give drunk drivers a pass. Let's hear it. "Oh he just made a mistake". This jerk needs to be executed for the first two people he murdered.

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 2:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

sick

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