Driver Charged for Killing Pedestrian and Dog in Central New York

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office has charged the driver with criminally negligent homicide and vehicular manslaughter for the death of a 6a8-year-old woman and the dog she was walking over the summer.

Police have officially charged 30-year-old James R. Henry, a resident of Camden, for the tragedy.

The incident happened on Hillsboro Road in the Town of Camden on August 4.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol had identified the victim as Kathleen MacArthur, a beloved 68-year-old resident of Camden. Her dog also perished in the accident.

According to Maciol, MacArthur was walking her small dog east of the Howd Road intersection on Hillsboro Road when a car driven by Henry veered off the road.

Police say as Henry's car fatally struck both MacArthur and her pet dog before his vehicle "came to rest in the ditch."

Both MacArthur and her dog were pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, Sheriff Maciol announced new charges against Henry and revealed some information into what may have caused the incident.

James R. Henry, age 30 of Camden was arrested by Sheriff’s Investigators after a grand jury indictment warrant was issued. Henry has been charged with felony counts of criminally negligent homicide and vehicular manslaughter, a misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated by drugs and a traffic violation of failing to stay in lane.

His mugshot was also released by police.

Henry was arraigned at Oneida County Court and is being held on bond at Oneida County Jail.

While tragic, a number of residents have commented about the apparent rise in pedestrian deaths in Central NY.

Pedestrian deaths reached a 41-year high in the U.S

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, there was an estimated 7,508 pedestrian fatalities - including cyclists - in 2022, which is the highest number since 1980.

Experts say a variety of factors are contributing to this alarming trend. While speeding and driving under the influence are among the leading causes, authorities also pointed to a lack of sidewalks on roadways, a lack of illumination on roads at night, and the increase in “light trucks," like pickups and SUVs on the road.

As for New York, the state is not among the safest for pedestrians and cyclists.

Says the NY Department of Health:

Injuries to pedestrians are among the top 10 leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions and death for almost all age groups In New York State. Approximately 300 pedestrians are killed and 15,000 are injured by motor vehicles each year on the state’s roadways, and more than 3,000 pedestrians are admitted to the hospital annually.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: This post is for informational purposes. The information provided within was provided publicly by law enforcement. Any charges or accusations of wrongdoing mentioned in the article are only allegations and the reader is reminded that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.]

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