Centralia newspaper owner charged with reckless homicide in motorcyclist's death

A Centralia man was charged Friday with reckless homicide for allegedly driving drunk in a crash that killed a motorcyclist.

Thomas Joy, of Centralia, had already been charged with driving under the influence and failure to yield after the May 15 crash in Marion County.

Jerry Clarkson, 65, of Odin was northbound on U.S. 51 on May 15 when Joy’s pickup pulled out in front of him, according to police. Clarkson was taken to a nearby hospital, but died as medical personnel were about to transfer him to a St. Louis trauma center.

Appearing in court Friday, Joy posted $25,000 cash for release on bond, according to WJBD. Prosecutors said in court that they were awaiting results of a blood test taken from Joy, who had declined a breath test on the night of the crash. WJBD reported that Joy is part-owner of the Centralia Sentinel newspaper.

This story was originally published May 25, 2018 at 2:58 PM with the headline "Centralia newspaper owner charged with reckless homicide in motorcyclist's death."