Grand Jury Clears Stewart Of Wrongdoing

espn.com is reporting, with other media outlets, that NASCAR driver Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges in the death of sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. The two were involved in an on track accident at Canandaigua Motor Speedway in upstate New York in August. Ward spun out near Stewart during the Saturday, August 9 night race. One caution lap later, Ward left his car and approached Stewart in oncoming traffic to confront him. A Grand Jury needs 12 of 24 members to recommend charges to the District Attorney. While Grand Jury results are sealed, we do know that jurors were asked to consider 2nd degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. According to the article, Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo said two videos seen by investigators showed "no abberational driving by Stewart" and that Ward was under the influence of marijuana that night "enough to impair judgment."

Stewart may still face civil charges in the incident.