Murder trial will proceed in amusement park death

Murder trial will proceed in amusement park death

April 26, 2005

SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- The murder trial for a Pigeon Forge amusement park manager charged in the death of a woman who fell from a ride will go forward. [ woman dies ]

Charles Stan Martin, 56, is charged with second degree murder and reckless homicide in the death of 51-year-old June Carol Alexander, of Nashville, in March 2004.

Martin had petitioned the judge to drop the charges against him but the judge has refused.

Alexander fell from the Hawk, a ride at the Rockin' Raceway in Pigeon Forge. Authorities say the ride was in motion when the safety strap came undone. Alexander's family and friends said she was trying to get off the ride when it started to move.

She died of her injuries at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center.

Martin was indicted and arraigned six months later. [ murder charge ]

The Hawk was dismantled in April 2004. The amusement park's attorney told 6 News then that the ride is in storage and won't be reassembled at the park.

Martin's next court date is scheduled for May 11th.