Newport News man on trial in deadly Kuwait wreck

NORFOLK, Va. -- A Newport News man is on trial on federal charges stemming from a wreck in Kuwait that killed one Navy reservist and injured another.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that jurors heard opening arguments Monday in the trial of 25-year-old Morgan Hanks. He is charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious injury.

Prosecutors say Hanks was speeding as he tried to pass a convoy in November 2009. His vehicle collided with another vehicle in which 37-year-old Brian M. Patton of Freeport, Ill., and 35-year-old David C. Morgan of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. were traveling.

Patton was killed and Morgan was injured.

Hanks' attorney told jurors Monday that the collision was a freak accident.