The trial of Michael Lloyd Carlson, a former Knox County sheriff, began Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Wichita Falls. Carlson, now 65 years old, faces a manslaughter charge in connection with a 2023 crash that claimed the life of 22-month-old Aveline Hill.
The crash involved three vehicles on U.S. 287 near Electra on May 17, 2023. Aveline, who was from Dallas, later died at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth from injuries sustained in the crash.
Carlson, a former sheriff of Knox County from 25 years ago, was on probation for a separate deadly conduct charge at the time of the accident.
Jury Seated and Trial Begins
The trial is being held in the 78th District Court, with Judge Meredith Kennedy presiding. Jury selection concluded on Monday, April 7, with a panel of 10 women and 2 men being sworn in.
Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Carlton is leading the prosecution, while Wichita Falls defense attorney Mark Barber is representing Carlson.
Carlson entered a plea of not guilty to the manslaughter charge as the trial officially began.
Victim’s Mother Testifies in Emotional Opening
The first witness called was Jeanette Hill, the mother of Aveline Hill. She was driving the SUV involved in the crash and also had her 4-year-old son in the vehicle. Through emotional testimony, Hill described her family’s travel plans, their position on the highway, and the tragic moment of the crash.
Hill said that around noon, she was heading west on U.S. 287 after passing through Wichita Falls. She saw flashing lights and slowed down to about 5 mph, getting behind a tractor-trailer with a safe distance between vehicles.
“I don’t like to get close to the cars in front of me,” Hill said.
Moments later, her vehicle was struck from behind with powerful force. She testified that her car was pushed into the back of the trailer, and her airbag deployed. She then described exiting the vehicle and realizing her young daughter was unresponsive, though still breathing.
Hill and her children were treated at the hospital. She suffered a broken wrist and concussion, as did her son. Aveline was airlifted to United Regional in Wichita Falls and then transferred to Cook Children’s Hospital, where she died at 12:07 a.m. on May 18, 2023.
Her tearful testimony brought several jury members and courtroom observers to tears.
Bodycam Footage Shows Carlson’s Statements at Crash Scene
Later in the day, Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Will Richter took the stand. Sgt. Richter responded to the crash and interviewed Carlson at the scene. His bodycam footage was played in court, showing Carlson discussing the moments leading up to the crash.
In the video, Carlson admitted he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, and that his truck’s airbags didn’t deploy.
“We both got out of the way of two trucks, and she stopped quicker than I did,” Carlson is heard saying.
However, Sgt. Richter testified that Carlson’s version of events did not match what troopers found at the scene. According to Richter, no semi-trucks were near enough to support Carlson’s claim that he was trying to move around one. He said traffic was moving slowly in a single line, and other drivers, including another semi, were able to slow down without issue.
Richter said he believed Carlson failed to stop in time and caused the crash due to negligence, not due to any unavoidable circumstances.
More Witnesses Recreate the Crash
Additional DPS troopers testified Tuesday afternoon, assisting in recreating the crash scene for the jury. These reconstructions were used to help clarify the speed and position of each vehicle during the collision.
Judge Kennedy dismissed the court at 4:20 p.m., and testimony will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.