Suspected DUI Driver Accused Of Hitting & Killing Girl, 6, To Stand Trial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A suspected drunk driver that hit and killed a 6-year-old girl appeared in court Friday morning.

Travis Grayson, 20, waived a preliminary hearing and will now head to trial.

Travis Grayson waives right to preliminary hearing. Heads to court in girl's death

— Harold Hayes (@hhayes_harold) November 6, 2015

The parents of 6-year-old Ava Campbell left the courtroom saying nothing, but inside the courtroom they paid very close attention to Grayson as he stood in his jail uniform before a judge. It was their first time seeing him in person after the crash that killed their daughter.

"At this point, Travis, his heart goes out to the Campbell family," defense attorney Michael Sherman said, "and he didn't want to put them through any more grief by going through a preliminary hearing, so we're going to just move to the next process in the case."

Ava Campbell was struck and killed when Grayson was behind the wheel. Investigators say Grayson admitted to drinking ten beers and smoking marijuana before driving twice the speed limit. He was cited for underage drinking three times before that. The charges were either dropped or reduced.

"We will always remember Ava for the free-spirited, energetic little girl who just wanted to have fun and make someone smile," Ava's father, Dave Campbell, said at a news conference in October, calling for changes in DUI laws so that kind of circumstance won't affect another family like the Campbells.

Grayson faces formal arraignment and is likely to go to trial next year on charges including homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter