Deputy indicted for role in fatal May car crash

Submitted by Cameron1 on

Milam County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Heath has been indicted for his role in the death of Pastor Earnest Taylor.

Heath, 42, of Copperas Cove, was indicted for criminally negligent homicide after the fatal crash in Cameron in May.

Heath — currently on medical leave from the Milam County Sheriff’s Office — is also the subject of an internal investigation by the department. Heath was hurt in the accident and is still recovering.

At around 9:35 p.m. on May 2, Heath’s Chevrolet Tahoe struck a Dodge Ram, driven by Earnest Taylor, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 190 and North Orchard Avenue.

Taylor, age 70, died at the scene. Taylor’s wife, Shirley Taplin Taylor, suffered serious injuries.

Heath was indicted by a Milam County Grand Jury on June 21.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is still investigating the crash because it involved a law enforcement agency.