When Richard Perry Ford, Jr., of McCool left the Attala County Circuit courtroom Tuesday after his arraignment on felony negligent manslaughter and leaving the scene charges in the July 2018 hit-and-run death of 20-year-old Bethany M. White of Louisville, he and his family were quickly followed by the victim’s father and other family members.
As loud voices from the hallway seeped into the courtroom, Attala County Sheriff Tim Nail and several deputies exited the courtroom. Later, Nail said that while words were exchanged between the families, peace was quickly restored.
“There was no physical confrontation,” said Nail. “There were just some words and they (the families) left the building separately, escorted by deputies.”
The Sheriff told The Star-Herald at the time of Ford’s arrest that there is surveillance footage reportedly showing portions of the incident, which includes an altercation between Ford and White, after which Ford allegedly hit and killed White with his truck before fleeing the scene.
On Tuesday, the victim’s family were not the only ones who had harsh words for Ford. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty and told the court he did not have the means to hire his own attorney.
“If you own a home and have real estate, you can hire a lawyer,” said Judge Joseph Loper, Jr., who noted that Ford had found the means to post a $100,000 bond.
“Either you’re going to represent yourself or you’re going to hire a lawyer,” Loper said in continuing Ford’s $100,000 bond. He ordered Ford to report the name of his attorney or state that he will represent himself to the court by Friday.
Ford is expected to appear in court again March 11.
