SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — It took a Clark County jury one hour on Wednesday to hand down a guilty verdict for 36-year-old Hermanio Joseph, who was accused of causing a fatal bus crash in Springfield in August 2023.

What You Need To Know

  • Last August, the bus was transporting 52 students to Northwestern Local Schools, according to Sgt. Tyler Ross of Ohio State Highway Patrol public affairs

  • Shortly after 8 a.m. that day, the bus was traveling down Troy Road — also known as State Route 41 — when a Honda Odyssey driving eastbound crossed over the center line

  • The bus tried to go off the right side of the road but still collided with the minivan, which was being driven by Joseph
  • Joseph could spend 17 years in jail

Last August, the bus was transporting 52 students to Northwestern Local Schools, according to Sgt. Tyler Ross of Ohio State Highway Patrol public affairs. Shortly after 8 a.m. that day, the bus was traveling down Troy Road — also known as State Route 41 — when a Honda Odyssey driving eastbound crossed over the center line.

The bus tried to go off the right side of the road but still collided with the minivan, which was being driven by Joseph. The bus then overturned. 

The bus took the life of an 11-year-old boy and injured 23 others, according to court documents.

During the two days of testimony, Joseph took the stand himself for his own defense at one point, saying he knew he wasn't obligated to but that he must explain his side. 

"There was a little curve," Hermanio said. "I saw the car but the sun hit my eyes, and I did not have the opportunity to make a right decision."

The jury found Joseph guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide for causing the school bus crash. According to the defense's expert, the sun played a significant role in the crash.

“You have to put yourself in the shoes of Mr. Joseph as he was driving, as if you were driving, and had that quick of a time to react after the sun hit your eyes," said Terry Hart, the defense attorney. "He had taken the normal precautions, the sun visor was down.” 

Prosecutors argued that even with factors like the sun, he still had a duty to stay in his lane. 

Joseph is a Haitian immigrant and had been living in the area for about a year before the crash. He did have a valid state I.D., but not a driver's license when his minivan crossed the center lane and collided with the bus.

“Mr. Joseph was breaking the law when he operated a motor vehicle without a valid license, you know that," said Daniel Driscoll, Clark County prosecutor. "Mr. Joseph was breaking the law when he was traveling at an excess of the posted speed limit, you know it. Mr. Joseph broke the law when he crossed over the center line, you know it. This isn’t just an accident; these are the actions of this man. Don’t treat him differently, treat him according to the law.” 

Joseph could spend 17 years in jail. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, and the defense said they're planning to appeal.

Related Stories