New Jersey Man Awaiting Trial Shoots Himself in Head

Authorities say a southern New Jersey man facing trial stemming from a crash that killed one boy and paralyzed another shot himself in the head.

William Liepe of Hamilton Township remains hospitalized. Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles tells The Press of Atlantic City the 61-year-old is expected to fully recover.

Liepe failed to appear in court during jury selection on Tuesday and he was found in his home. His lawyer, Steve Feldman, says his client is a farmer who couldn't understand what was going on.

Authorities say Liepe was driving drunk when he caused a three-vehicle accident that killed 9-year-old Ryan Schleyer and left 11-year-old M.J. Guzman paralyzed in 2011.

Liepe has pleaded not guilty to aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and assault by auto.