BEAUMONT -
A man who police say caused a collision that killed a Louisiana woman last summer was supposed to be in court Monday morning to enter a plea. Derek Wesley McBride, 25, showed up then left without appearing before the judge.
A frustrated Criminal District Court Judge John Stevens reacted to McBride's absence.
"I want McBride and his attorney here immediately, I did not release them," said Stevens.
McBride's attorney appeared minutes later saying McBride had been at the courthouse earlier in the morning, but left to go out of town for work. Judge Stevens again ordered McBride to return.
McBride returned to the courthouse around Noon. Judge Stevens ordered McBride to take a drug test as required by McBride's bond. The test returned positive for amphetamines and his bond was revoked.
McBride is facing charges of intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter, two felonies.
Amber Roussel was traveling with her husband July 30 when they were involved in an accident prosecutors say was caused by McBride. She died from her injuries.
Officers say McBride was intoxicated when he crashed into a divider on Interstate 10 near MLK. Witnesses say a westbound vehicle hit McBride's truck causing the bumper to fly off. The bumper hit Roussel's vehicle.
Roussel's husband was also injured in the accident.
"Every minute of every day, we miss my daughter," said a tearful Melba Braud, daughter of Roussel.
Braud says she feels some relief with McBride's bond being revoked but says jail time will not bring back her daughter.
"There's not enough jail time because Amber doesn't get to come home again," Braud tells 12 News.
On Monday, Judge Stevens set a trial date of March 4.
Derek Wesley McBride (KBMT file image)
Amber V. Roussel (Photo: facebook.com)
