Don't Let Your Prom Dream Turn Into A Nightmare
Mock presentations prove that drinking and
driving not worth the risk.

April 27, 2001

The scene at Monroe Central High School on Thursday was a scary one, one that school officials and emergency personnel hope they never have to deal ever again. Students and teachers gathered this week to get a firsthand look at the consequences and ramifications when someone chooses to drink and drive. With prom night scheduled for Saturday, the message was heard loud and clear - Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose.
On Thursday, more than 300 students, teachers, and parents gathered in the school parking lot to witness a mock crash involving alcohol and the unfortunate death of a beloved teacher, Steven Casto. Before the arriving at the crash scene, Monroe Central junior, Eric Christy read a brief scenario: On prom night, sophomore Adam Conrad decided to consume several cans of beer throughout the evening. He really wanted to "party it up" and show off for his prom date. While traveling on State Rt. 78, Adam swerved left of center and hit a 1990 Ford Escort driven by Mr. Casto, killing Casto and severely injuring Julie Casto, while also causing harm to his own passenger, junior Jodi Morrison. Deputies Tony LaBuda and Corbett of Monroe County Sheriff's Department were first on scene. Shortly after, personnel from the Monroe County Volunteer Fire Department, E-squad, and first responders arrived. With lights and sirens blurring, this mock scene appeared to be a real emergency. In fact, the "Jaws of Life" had to be used to remove Mr. Casto from his vehicle. Bodies were placed in ambulances, field sobriety tests were performed, and Casto was pronounced dead by Mr. Williams, County Coroner, and placed in a body bag. Witnesses were shocked and distraught at the crash scene. The driver, Adam Conrad, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. Many bystanders commented that the crash "was very educational", and proved more convincing than a lecture. Afterwards, emergency personnel had the opportunity to speak with the students and answer questions.
As in real life, the ordeal for those who decide to drink and drive doesn't end with just a crash. On Friday morning, the students gathered in the school's cafeteria to see Adam Conrad stand trial for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. Monroe County Juvenile Court Judge Walter R. Starr presided over the case, and attorneys from Gold, Khourey and Turak prosecuted and defended the case. The jury consisted of 12 students from Monroe Central.

Judge Starr, in his robe and gavel in hand, conducted the trial exactly as he would if it were a real case. Witnesses and officers took the stand, reports and pictures were entered into evidence, and objections were heard, just as it would happen in a real court room. The most emotional part of the trial occurred when Mrs. Casto was given the opportunity to read a letter from her late husband. Mrs. Casto and several other individuals in the "courtroom" became very emotional as she read about how life would be without a husband, and a father for her child. In the end, the jury returned a verdict of guilty of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. Judge Starr sentenced Conrad to serve 5 years, three of which would be suspended, to be followed by 10 years of probation. As terms of his probation, he was sentenced to place flowers at the grave of Mr. Casto each April 26, the day of the crash, and a grave blanket on his grave each November. Mrs. Casto was 46.
Former Attorney with Gold, Khourey and Turak, Rich Wilson, who served as the prosecution in the case, was happy with the results. "The jury sent a message to all those who decide to drink and drive, not only during prom season, but at any time - Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose".
Many say that the odds were against him, but defense council Chris Turak admitted that the jury did a good job. Turak says, "It goes to show that the justice system does work." He adds, "If you're going to participate in actssuch as drinking and driving, you should be prepared to face the consequences." "Unfortunately, as in this case, the real victims are Mr. Casto, and his friends and family." Gold, Khourey & Turak is a personal injury law firm located in Moundsville, WV who represents victims of automobile accidents, and place an emphasis on crashes that involve alcohol.
The mock trial and crash was organized by students Erica Christy, SamanthaDougherty, and Jodi Morrison, and administrators Adrianne Burkhart and Mark Huffman, and Principal Sam Schumaker.
Additional information about the mock crash and trial can be obtained by calling the law offices of Gold, Khourey and Turak at (304) 845-9750 or toll free at (800) 388-2529.