The filmmakers who were trying to make Midnight Rider, a biopic on the Allman Brothers Band’s Gregg Allman, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Sarah Jones.
Jones, a 27-year-old camera assistant, was killed in February during a train accident while filming in Georgia. Since then, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department has been investigating Jones’ death. According to Deadline, a grand jury met on Wednesday and Detective Joe Gardner presented the case.
Wayne County Superior Court announced on Thursday that the project’s director, Randall Miller; his wife, producer Jody Savin; and executive producer Jay Sedrish will be charged with involuntary manslaughter. They will also be charged with criminal trespassing.
District attorney Jackie Johnson said that, if they are found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, they could face up to 10 years in prison, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The trespassing charge is a misdemeanor that could result in up to 12 months in prison.
Miller, Savin and Sedrish are also facing several civil lawsuits from others involved in the film. Jones’ parents also filed a lawsuit in May. Allman himself filed a lawsuit over rights to his life story, but he later dropped it.
Jones’ death raised concerns around the industry over the safety of assistants during productions. The accident even left the film’s star, Oscar winner William Hurt, injured and he decided to leave the film.
The district attorney’s office said that they will not issue further statements on the pending case.
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