Hearing for new Lee trial begins

by Jessica Mador, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — A hearing for a new trial begins Monday in St. Paul for a man convicted of criminal vehicular homicide for a crash involving his 1996 Toyota Camry.

Koua Fong Lee, 32, is serving eight years for the 2006 crash that killed three people.

Lee has insisted he tried to stop the car, saying his car experienced "sudden unintended acceleration" -- the same problem for which millions of newer Toyota Camrys have been recalled.

Two experts hired by the Ramsey County attorney's office re-examined Lee's car in April and said they found no evidence of sudden acceleration.

Both sides will present their arguments on whether Lee should get a new trial before Judge Joanne Smith in St Paul.

Lee supporters plan to rally outside the court before the start of the hearing Monday morning.