Trial for Tupelo Man Charged in DUI Death to Stay in Lee County

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — The trial of a Tupelo man accused of a DUI death charge will stay in Lee County.

28-year-old John Gillentine is the driver of the pickup truck that struck and killed 64-year-old Betty Montgomery as she was on her morning walk in August 2013.

Police say Gillentine showed signs of impairment at the scene. He pleaded not guilty in March.

Gillentine made a change of venue request at a hearing last week. Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jim Pounds rejected that request.

The trial will begin Oct. 27. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.