There could be at least as many as 25-30 cases set for trial.
NB man's trial on docket Monday
By Bryan Shettig - The Herald-Zeitung A New Braunfels man accused of a hit and run that left a San Antonio hospital director dead is set to have his trial on a district court docket Monday in San Antonio.
Philip Smith, 47, is charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, after he allegedly hit Michael Sanchez, the director of University Hospital’s emergency department, while Sanchez was running in San Antonio.
Smith was driving his Ford Explorer on Jan. 11, 2009, in the 11000 block of Bandera Road when he answered his phone, and witnesses said he swerved across a lane of traffic before skidding and hitting Sanchez, according to police reports. Smith stated in reports that his vehicle had brake problems.
Investigations by police and the District Attorney’s office resulted in what they say was driver recklessness, including using the cell phone while driving.
Smith’s trial could begin on Tuesday if it is chosen Monday on the docket in the 227th District Court in San Antonio with Judge Philip Kazen presiding. If his trial does proceed, jury selection would begin Tuesday and hearings could start Wednesday.
Smith is not in custody and is out on bond, said staff with the Bexar County District Clerk’s office.
