NJ school bus driver in court on vehicular homicide charges

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY.COM) - Hunched over, Hudy Muldrow Sr. entered a Morris County, New Jersey, courtroom Friday to face charges of death by auto.

The 77-year-old bus driver was behind the wheel of a school bus when it collided with a dump truck on Route 80 last week. The tragic crash killed student Miranda Vargas, 10, and teacher Jennifer Williamson, 51, who were on a field trip from the East Brook Middle School in Paramus.

Pastor Willie Clark spoke on Muldrow's behalf following the 20-minute hearing.

"There's no winner in a situation like this," Clark said. "It's a hurtful situation all the way around."

Police records indicate the driver missed his exit and was trying to make an illegal U-turn moments before the crash.

Clark said that Muldrow is still shaken by the outcome of his actions.

"He was at the impression that he didn't do anything wrong," Clark said.

The bus driver's past motor vehicle records have also surfaced since the accident. Muldrow apparently had numerous driving violations but was somehow still allowed to drive for the Paramus School District.

"If he's that unwilling to follow the rules that we all have to follow to maintain our driver's licenses, why do we think he'd be careful in taking care of our children when he's driving them?" said attorney David Fried, who represents Vargas's family.

Muldrow will remain behind bars until at least next week. His follow-up hearing is scheduled for May 30. He could face more charges for the several others injured in the crash.

"There's no way any parent could not want to have vengeance against a person who's done something like this," Fried said. He has filed a claim against both the Paramus Board of Education and the Borough of Paramus.

If Muldrow is convicted, he can face five to 10 years behind bars for each charge.