Man accused in fatal wreck takes stand in own defense

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man accused of hitting and killing a college student said he is not to blame for the wreck.

Several people were called to testify Wednesday, including the man on trial.

Taras McGirth was the last on the stand and he spoke in his own defense. The victim's father also took the stand.

Andy Hovis' father was only on the stand for a few minutes, but it was very emotional.

He broke down when the district attorney showed him a picture of his son

"That's my son, Andy," said Mark Hovis.

The DA's expert witness said three years ago McGirth was in a haze from sleep medication when he forced several drivers off the road then hit and killed 20-year-old Andy Hovis.

"Mr. McGirth was driving under the influence of and was severely impaired by Ambien," said Andrew Mason.

McGirth told the jury a different story. He said the Ambein and blood pressure medicine he took the night before the crash had no impact on him the next morning.

"I got off on exit 14 and I don't remember anything after that," McGirth said.

McGirth believes his problems with high blood pressure caused him to pass out behind the wheel.

"I don't even remember the accident," he said.

Under cross examination, the DA read notes from a doctor's visit McGirth had the month before the accident.

He said McGirth was going to see his girlfriend the morning of the crash and he had male enhancement pills in his car. The pills came with a warning, "do not use this product if you take other medication," the DA said.

Closing arguments will begin Thursday morning. McGirth is charged with second-degree murder and felony death by motor vehicle.

WSOC