Jury reaches verdict in fatal school bus crash trial

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) -- The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Hermanio Joseph, the man accused in a fatal school bus crash last August.

2 NEWS reporter Aaliyah Seabrooks was live in the courtroom as the jury began deliberations on Wednesday afternoon. By 3 p.m., the jury reached its verdict, finding Joseph guilty on one count each of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

Joseph was on trial for charges relating to a deadly Northwestern Local Schools bus crash in Clark County in August 2023. According to court documents, Joseph was driving a minivan when the vehicle veered left of center into the bus' path, hitting the bus and causing it to leave the road and overturn.

More than 20 children were hospitalized and one boy, 11-year-old Aidan Clark, was killed after being ejected from the bus.

Joseph did not have a valid U.S. driver's license at the time of the crash.

Joseph's trial began on Monday with opening statements on Tuesday. The prosecution rested its case Wednesday, followed by the defense calling two witnesses, including Joseph.

Joseph said he knew it was not necessary, but he felt that testifying was something he had to do. Through a translator, Joseph addressed the jury and testified in his own defense.

After the defense rested its case, both sides delivered closing statements.

The validity of Joseph's Mexican driver's license has been a major point for both the prosecution and the defense. Because Joseph did not have a valid U.S. license, charges were upgraded to felonies rather than misdemeanors.

The jury began deliberation early Wednesday afternoon. They reached their verdict a little less than 2 hours later. Following the decision, the jury was polled, with all 12 jurors returning a guilty verdict against Joseph.

Joseph will return to court for sentencing on May 21. He will be held without bail until then.

The crash prompted the creation of the Ohio School Safety Working Group, formed to issue recommendations to make school buses safer. Among the recommendations made in January were seat belts on the buses, stronger bus frames, and collision avoidance systems.