COUNTY LIFE
Sampson jailed on three-count vehicular manslaughter indictment
A Nocona man was arrested on a felony indictment for the death of a Ringgold woman in a one-vehicle accident outside Saint Jo on Feb. 3.
Michael Paul Sampson, 49, Nocona, was charged with a three-count indictment for intoxication manslaughter, manslaughter and negligent homicide in the death of Billie Faye Miller, 65, Ringgold.
The victim was a passenger in Sampson’s 2016 Buick Enclave involved in the accident. According to a Department of Public Safety statement the crash happened at 3:45 a.m. on Feb. 3 on Farm-to-Market 677 South at the Saint Jo City Limits.
Sampson was reportedly driving northeast on FM 677 around a sharp curve. The driver continued straight through the curve and off the roadway vaulting over Dennis Road and continuing through a barbed-wire fence, striking a tree head-on.
His passenger was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Sampson went to Nocona General Hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The report also notes the roads were wet and neither of the persons were wearing a seat belt.
Sampson was arrested by Nocona Police on a warrant connected with the October indictment. He was booked into the county jail with bond of $150,000. As of Tuesday he remained in jail.
The two manslaughter charges are second degree felonies punishable if convicted by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The negligent homicide offense is a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
The cast and crew of “A Family Reunion to Die For,” has been busy rehearsing for their murder mystery dinner theater production on May 30 and May 31.
The reunion soon turns sour with murder at a western-style bed and breakfast in the tropics.
Purchase tickets online at https://www.bowieallianceforeducationandthearts.com/events-1.
Show times are 6:30 p.m. on May 30 and May 31 with an afternoon show at noon on May 31 all at the Freedom Life Church. There will be live and silent auction.
All proceeds benefit Montague County students for scholarships in the arts. Come support these thespians.
Top photo – Rehearsals have been underway this past week for the new murder mystery dinner theater of the Bowie Alliance for Education and the Arts. (Photos by Barbara Green)
Speed limit changes are being put in place on FM 103 North of Nocona. The 60-mph zone is being pushed North of Grayson Street.
As part of the transition, the 45-mph speed limit will be extended just North of the Texas New Mexico Power Office. Drivers see 50 mph signs up to Grayson Street where it becomes a 60-mph zone.
Portable message boards were placed on FM 103 on May 27 to advise motorists of the upcoming changes. The new signs will be unveiled and be enforceable starting June 3.
Citizens and officials with the City of Nocona requested the changes. They were approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in April.
Drivers should be prepared to watch and observe these new speed limits signs in Nocona. Drive safely in Montague County.
Top photo – Bowie High’s class of 2025 arrives for the ceremonies. (Photos by Jordan Neal)
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