Pretrial hearing for Jeffry Knight months after deadly Clearwater Ferry crash

Pretrial hearing in Clearwater Ferry crash

FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer was in the courtroom for Jeffry Knight's first pretrial hearing on Monday and explains what is next in the case.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Pinellas County businessman who is accused of crashing into the Clearwater Ferry in April, killing one person and injuring several others, appeared for a pretrial hearing on Monday afternoon.

Jeffrey Knight, 62, pleaded not guilty in August after he was charged with eight felony counts for leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death and serious bodily injury.

Booking photo of Jeffry Knight. Courtesy: Pinellas County Jail. 

The backstory:

Knight was the owner of Jannus Live in St. Pete but he stepped down just days after crashing his private vessel into the Clearwater Ferry that was carrying 45 passengers.

Video: Boat crashes into Clearwater Ferry

The Clearwater Police Department released video of a boat crashing into the Clearwater Ferry Sunday evening. The crash left 1 person dead and 10 others injured. Courtesy: Clearwater Police Department.

Jose Castro was killed, and multiple other people were injured after the crash near the Memorial Causeway on April 27.

PREVIOUS: Jeff Knight pleads not guilty in deadly Clearwater Ferry crash

A months-long investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission began and officials said that Knight left the scene and started heading home before Pasco Sheriff's Office deputies stopped him in the water.

Initially, Knight told investigators that he tried rendering aid to ferry passengers, but left because his boat was taking on water.

In an electronic data search warrant issued by FWC, it was revealed that passengers on Knight's boat told investigators after the crash, Knight was panicked and told them, "My life is over. I'm going to lose everything," and tried to stop them from calling 911. The warrant also alleges Knight's all-around white light was not displayed on his boat.

Pretrial hearing for Jeffry Knight

The Pinellas County businessman who is accused of crashing into the Clearwater Ferry in April, killing one person and injuring several others, had a pretrial hearing on Monday afternoon.

Dennis Kimerer, the captain of the Clearwater Ferry, was also charged with violating a navigation rule for failing to have a working stern light at the time of the crash.

What's next:

Knight is due back in court for his next pretrial hearing on January 12. The trial hasn’t been scheduled, but Judge Pat Siracusa indicated he’d like it to take place in the spring, and it could last up to three weeks.

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