The Daily Times

Toxicology results have confirmed that the driver in a fatal car crash that killed a 16-year-old Maryville girl in August had drugs in his system at the time of the crash.

A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation toxicology report shows that John Charles Perkins, who was on parole at the time of the Aug. 14 crash on U.S. 411 that killed Amelia Keown, had methamphetamine and oxycodone in his blood.

Keown was killed instantly, while Perkins died the day after the crash at University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The toxicology report shows that the level of oxycodone in Perkins’ system was nearly double the normal or therapeutic range and just under what could be considered a toxic level.

Wayne Keown and Amanda Moore, Amelia Keown’s grandfather and mother, respectively, said the results were not unexpected, but seeing the high levels of oxycodone in Perkins’ system was a bit of a shock.

“We expected it, but actually seeing it was something else,” Moore said. “I just want to know that everybody knows the truth of what happened.”

The Tennessee Highway Patrol report said that Perkins’ vehicle crossed the center line of U.S. 411 near Springview Road and struck Keown’s vehicle. Authorities said Perkins’ vehicle was clocked at 73 mph in a 55-mph zone.

After finding out later that Perkins was on parole and had a lengthy record with multiple traffic citations and crashes, Amanda Moore and Wayne Keown started pushing for new legislation similar to the “three strikes law.” Dubbed “Amelia’s Law,” the measure is intended to keep repeat felons behind bars, specifically those who have been shown to pose a threat to the public.

Both have met with several lawmakers, including Sen. Doug Overbey, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Rep. Bob Ramsey in hopes of getting the law passed. Wayne Keown said the family has received support for the law from all over the world.

Those looking for more information or to sign a petition in support of the law can visit http://www.ameliaslaw.com .