The trial of an Indiana semi driver accused of causing a fatal bus rash in Northern Wisconsin is now in the hands of the jury. Closing arguments in the case against Michael Kozlowski were presented Monday morning. In October of 2005, five people, including the band's director and his family, were killed when the bus collided with Kozlowski's semi, which had overturned on Interstate 94 near Osseo. Testimony ran for two weeks in the trial, held in St. Croix County because of pre-trial publicity.
Eau Claire County District Attorney Rich White outlined for the jury his claim that Kozlowski was criminally negligent because he didn't get enough sleep the night and day before he left on his semi route. The prosecution stressed that Kozlowski was at a bar all night long before driving his route.
Defense attorney Earl Gray countered that the blame for the deadly crash lies with the driver of the bus, who died in the accident.
Kozlowski faces five counts of homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle and 28 other charges.
