Teen Charged With Killing Cyclists

Murder Spanish Fort Shortly after being released from the hospital wearing a neck brace Patrick Ballard was booked into the Baldwin County Jail.

by Debbie Williams

Published: Tue, September 04, 2007 - 4:36 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, October 15, 2008 - 9:26 pm CST

There are new developments in the Labor Day traffic accident that killed two cyclists. William Imle and Archie Clemons, Jr. died after being struck by a truck police say was driven by Patrick Ballard. It happened on Bromley Road near Stapleton.

Prosecutors say this isn’t the first time Ballard has been involved in a deadly crash involving a bicycle.

The charge is murder. "It wasn't an accident it was a murder of two people," says Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb.

Shortly after being released from the hospital and wearing a neck brace, Patrick Ballard was booked into the Baldwin County Jail. He’s charged with the murder of William Imle and Archie Clemons, Jr. according to Newcomb. "We believe the facts will ultimately show that both high speed and alcohol were involved."

This isn't the first time Ballard has been involved in a fatal accident or even a fatal accident involving bicyclists. The year was 2005 and the prosecutor then was David Whetstone. “Criminal prosecution was in order under my duties as district attorney."

Two years ago Ballard hit cyclist Larry McDuff. Ballard was indicted on manslaughter charges. The case was handled in juvenile court at the request of McDuff’s family according to Whetstone. "They did not want to pursue it as a criminal matter in the circuit court and many people felt like the juvenile court had more opportunities to reach a person to stop him."

Whetstone says it’s unbelievable what has happened. Relatives of the McDuff's he says are just as shocked. "I've talked to the son oh just flabbergasted oh no."

Ballard was arrested by state troopers after being released from USA Medical Center. He’s now being cared for by the Baldwin County Correctional Center. He is scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday in Bay Minette.

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asda Says:

Fri, Sep 21, 2007 at 12:37 pm

I agree with why? ............Hate is not the right way to go but I just do not want to see this little punk get away with Murder for the second and third time. That is not fair to anyone and I am really losing Faith in Justice in Alabama.

why? Says:

Thu, Sep 06, 2007 at 5:04 pm

Mr. Lutz,

Bill Imle and Art Clemons families will remain in my prayers. This is a hard path they will be walking and we are all ill equiped to take that road. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Bill. I believe it is necessary for people to feel the loss beyond just seeing names in black and white. Your personal words about Bill help to do that. Thank you.

I did not know Bill but I can say that I knew Art Clemons to be as fine a man as I have ever met. He had a calm, dignified air about him and being in his presence was always a good experience. He was intelligent, humble dedicated to his faith and his family and one of the best fathers I have ever seen. His family has been robbed.

Hatred and hatefilled words will not make this situation better but I do feel that this young man should own the consequences for his actions. I believe that these men would want justice for their families but not hatred.

George Lutz, USCG Retired Says:

Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 10:01 pm

I had the proud honor to serve with Bill Imle in the Coast Guard. He served his country will distinct honor and he honored his family with loving arms. Please mention his family in your prayers.

UOP,CJ Says:

Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 9:54 pm

I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS! THIS IS TERRIBLE AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS. THIS YOUNG MAN NEEDS TO BE MADE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT HAPPENS TO PEOPLE THAT HARM OR EVEN KILL OTHERS. HE WILL HAVE HIS JUDGEMENT DAY. GOD BLESS!!

asda Says:

Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 3:26 pm

Give Him the Needle! After Killing Mr. McDuff and Mr. McDuff’s family trying to be good christians and forgive him and hopes he would make his life better from the pain of knowing he ended another’s life. But as everyone now knows he did not change and therefore will not ever change lets take him out of society and the world forever.

why? Says:

Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 8:07 am

I hope that wkrg will continue to follow this story and will not allow it to fade away. The pain the families endure as a result of his bad choices will not fade away. This young man has forever altered the lives of 4 families now. The Imle’s, the Clemon’s, the McDuff’s and his own family who will carry the burden of shame for him while he spends his days locked up. There are so many questions surrounding this incident that are yet to be answered. Where was this young man coming from when he hit Mr. Clemons and Mr. Imle? What was his alcohol level? Was there someone who could have or should have stopped him from driving? Was the first accident alcohol related too? What is his criminal record outside of traffic accidents? What he has done cannot be undone but he can be prevented from ever doing it again and maybe we can all learn something from it. Prayers to the families that have been so grossly affected by this tragedy. Keep your eyes to the heavens and rely on your God to get you through this.