RICHMOND, Va. -- The driver accused of killing University of Richmond faculty member Elizabeth B. Pryor in an April crash on Grove Avenue remained free on bond following a hearing Monday. Robert Gentil's lawyer waved his client's preliminary hearing during Monday's court appearance. That means Gentil's case will now be heard by the grand jury.
Gentil made no comment as he exited the courtroom Monday flanked by family members. In a previously released statement, Gentil's family said he suffered from a mental condition that led to the fatal crash. Gentil told investigators he "thought he was flying" as he sped down Grove Avenue at speeds between 80 and 90 miles an hours, according to witnesses. Investigators said Gentil's car struck Pryor's vehicle, killing the historian and former diplomat.
While Gentil remained free on bond, he does have to see a psychiatrist regularly. He was also ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device. The next grand jury is scheduled to met August 3.
Gentil, 32, was charged with felony involuntary manslaughter following the crash.
The name Robert Stevens Gentil appears several times over the years in local courts due to driving infractions:
- Speeding in Richmond in 2008 and 2009.
- Speeding, seat belt violations and improper driving in Henrico in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011
- Speeding in Hanover in 2010
- Speeding in Louisa in 2009
Gentil works as teacher with Richmond Public Schools, a Richmond Public School spokeswoman confirmed. His name appears on the Thomas Jefferson High School website as an IB Spanish teacher. Court documents state Gentil has MA in education and has worked at Thomas Jefferson for four years.
