(Barre, Orleans County) -- Two members of an Orleans County family appeared in court Monday to face homicide charges in the death of another family member -- an 8 year old girl.
Abagail Buzard, 8, died after the vehicle she was in crashed in a single-car accident last September. Her father Corey Buzard, 33, and his cousin Courtney Buzard, 17, are now charged with criminally negligent homicide.
Prosecutors say Corey Buzard was too drunk to drive and turned the wheel over to Courtney Buzard who only had her learner's permit.
State Police say Courtney drove too fast for the weather and road conditions that day, lost control of her vehicle, and rolled down an embankment sending Abagail out of the backseat. The vehicle pinned her underneath and she later died from her injuries.
Orleans County D.A. Joe Cardone says the case could result in new legislation down the line.
An order of protection was issued for at least one member of the Buzard family in court Monday.
Corey Buzard faces a minimum of one to three years in prison if convicted. Courtney Buzard will most likely be tried as a youthful offender.
They head back to court February 22.
