The trial of John Michael "Toby" Peck is scheduled to resume on Thursday, but there may be a delay due to the fact that the defendant, Peck was involved in auto accident. Officials in Newton along with Peck's attorney Billy Morian confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the man who is accused of killing Randy Holmes was injured when the Jeep he was driving was hit by another vehicle. Morian said the accident occurred shortly after the jury broke for lunch on Wednesday. A woman who did not want to be named said the accident occurred as Peck was leaving the courthouse in his Jeep which was hit by another car. So far there has been no word on the incident being anything other than a complete accident and had nothing to do with the trial.
According to Morian, the extent of Peck's injuries were not known but Peck was taken by a private vehicle to Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital where he underwent examination and possible treatment. When asked whether or not Peck would be able to be back in the courtroom on Thursday, Morian said "I don't know we will just have to wait and see what we've got", apparently speaking of the injuries. The state rested Wednesday morning in the murder trial of Peck who is accused of Killing Randy Holmes in late 2017 and the defense began its case. If the accident led to a fatality, the victim’s family may file a lawsuit with the help of a wrongful death lawyer.
Morian of Jasper cross examined Texas Ranger Joe Haralson about family members he interviewed when local authorities asked him to join the investigation into the disappearance of Holmes. Haralson admitted that some stories had changed. He said others had been on Peck's property while he worked as a tug boat captain and was away from home weeks at a time. The trial is being heard before Judge Craig Mixon in the District Courtroom of the Newton County Courthouse.