VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The jury reached its verdict Thursday in the case of a Chesapeake man facing charges of manslaughter, maiming and DWI with serious injuries.
In a precedent setting ruling, the jury found 26-year-old Nathan Poole guilty on all charges.
Police said Poole was driving high on marijuana when he hit two pedestrians at Virginia Beach Town Center — 76-year-old Rosa Blanco and her 79-year-old cousin, Concepcion Blanco. The women had just eaten at Tupelo Honey restaurant that August afternoon in 2022, to celebrate Rosa’s birthday. Poole was making a left turn from Main Street onto Constitution when he hit the women, who were in the crosswalk. Rosa was killed as a result, and Concepcion was seriously injured.
Video surveillance showed Poole’s car rolling over the women without initiating his brakes. Rosa died at the scene and Concepcion was in the hospital for five weeks and received permanent severe injuries.
The four-day jury trial included witnesses such as the police officer who gave Poole field sobriety tests. The officer testified that Poole failed most tests, including walking heel-to-toe, touching his nose and standing on one leg.
Defense Attorney Diane Toscano said that while Poole may have had cannabis in his system, that doesn’t mean it affected his ability to drive. However, testimony from a toxicologist revealed that the level of THC in Poole’s blood would indicate recent use, and impacted his judgment, attention and reaction times.
Poole was found guilty of DWI manslaughter, DWI maiming and DWI first offense misdemeanor.
“The facts of this case prove that there are risks and consequences for driving while impaired from marijuana use,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Stolle stated, in a release. “While there is no forensic standard for THC impairment, the jury clearly rejected the defense’s assertion that Poole was not impaired and sent the message that he should be held accountable for his actions that day.”
Poole has prior convictions for False Information on a Firearm Consent Form.
10 On Your Side’s Chris Horne will have a full report on the case. Check back for updates.
Check with WAVY.com for more updates.