Breaking News: “Midnight Rider” Director Sentenced
JESUP, Georgia – The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that film director Randall Miler has pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespass in the trial over the death of Sarah Jones, a camera assistant killed a year ago on the set of Miller’s film “Midnight Rider.” Miller originally entered a plea of not guilty.
Attorney Ed Garland, who entered the plea, told the judge “We agree at this time the state could establish the essential elements of the crime.”
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Miller received a 10-year sentence, consisting of two years in Wayne County jail, the rest a period of probation in which he can’t serve as a film director, first assistant director or supervisor in charge of a crew. In addition, Miller will pay a $20,000 fine and complete 360 hours of community service.
As part of the plea deal, the case against Miller’s wife, Jody Savin, has been dismissed.
Sarah Jones’ mother and father both took the stand to read victim impact statements. “I do not seek revenge, but rather I seek healing for all involved, including those responsible for my daughter’s death,” said her father, Richard Jones
Sarah Jones lost her life last February during a movie shoot for the Allman biopic “Midnight Rider.” The camera assistant, 27, died when she was struck by a train while filming a dream sequence on a bridge over the Altamaha River, about five miles from Jesup.
Jones’ death galvanized the film crews around the world, who paid tribute by sharing photos of people holding clapboards with messages for her in what became known as the “Slates For Sarah” campaign.
Jones’ family released a statement on the results of the trial, according to Variety, Sarah’s father, Richard Jones said, “We do call for the movie industry to examine themselves and this myth of a cinematic bubble that does not exist.” He continued, “We did feel the prosecutor had a very good case, that there would have been a conviction. When asked if he was happy with the verdict, Jones said, “I certainly hesitate to use the word ‘happy.’ There’s no happiness here at all. We are content with the result.”
