Jan 28, 2008 6:23 pm US/Central
Investigation Continues Into Randy Salerno's Death
Charges May Be Filed Against Childhood Friend, Who Was Driving Snowmobile At Time Of Accident
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Randy Salerno's best friend could face a homicide charge in connection with the snowmobile crash that killed the CBS 2 anchor.
As CBS 2's Mike Parker reports, investigators are still gathering evidence in the case.
The investigation into the snowmobile crash that took Salerno's life on a snowy Wisconsin embankment after a visit to a local pub, is not over.
The Vilas County district attorney tells CBS 2, he is "still reviewing the facts in the case" and waiting for medical records on Scott Hirschey's blood alcohol level at the time of the crash.
Hirschey, who drove the snowmobile, could face a formal charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
"He was godfather to Randy's, his son," said Tom Baffes. "They're like brothers."
Baffes is a close friend of both men. He does not want to see Hirschey prosecuted for a crime. Neither, he says, does Salerno's widow.
"And I know Irene feels so bad for Scott. And I talked to Randy's mom and one of the first things she said was, I feel so bad for Scott and Scott's family," Baffes said. "And she said he didn't mean it. It was a total accident. It's a total tragedy on top of a tragedy."
But CBS 2 legal analyst Irv Miller says the family's feelings will probably not influence the prosecutor.
"He will keep Randy's family informed. He will listen to what they say, it may even hurt to charge but if he feels a crime occurred against the people of the state of Wisconsin, he really has very little choice," Miller said.
Miller says the family's wishes may carry more weight regarding the decision on the penalty to be sought by the prosecutor.
Meanwhile, an e-mail CBS 2 received from a resident of the Wisconsin North Woods says "drinking (by snowmobilers) is encouraged and accepted" in the area. "The law pops in its head when the public is watching and comes across as the hero, but basically" she writes, "they are letting this happen."
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