Trial reset to aid new interpreter

FAYETTEVILLE — The trial for a South Pacific Island man accused of negligent homicide has been reset for Nov. 3.

The man, Weston Ludrick, 31, was originally set to appear in Washington County Circuit Court today, but the trial was reset after his interpreter backed out. Ludrick is charged with the death of Miguel Guadarrama-Nava following a four-vehicle accident on Old Missouri Road just south of Emma Avenue in Springdale on Dec. 21.

Washington County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dustin Roberts said Sandy Joel, a Marshallese woman who has interpreted Marshallese in area courts, will interpret for Ludrick.

"The trial was rescheduled to allow follow-up training for the interpreter at the defense's request," Roberts said. "She has the qualifications and the training to allow the defense to work with."

Joel previously worked for the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts, which supplies interpreters to courts across Arkansas. She now works for the Marshallese Consulate.

Roberts said Joel lived on Ludrick's native island, Pohnpei, for several years and speaks his native language, Kiti.

According to a police report issued by Arkansas State Police, Ludrick was driving a 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix south along Old Missouri Road at about 12:30 a.m. when he struck a 2004 GMC pickup, driven by Bruce Armstrong, 46, of Fayetteville.

Both vehicles crossed the center line, before striking a 1998 Dodge Plymouth minivan driven by Amber Ayala, 28, of Rogers.

Ludrick's vehicle then spun around, according to the report, before striking a 2008 Suzuki SUV driven by Billy Eden, 78, of Springdale.

Police said 11 people were riding in the four vehicles when the accident occurred, including several children.

Guadarrama-Nava, of Rogers, was a passenger in the van. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ludrick was also cited on criminal charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, violation of implied consent law, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, his second driving while intoxicated and three counts of second-degree battery.