Third person implicated in hit-and-run case and cover up plot

A third person has been charged in connection with the hit-and-run crash in the Greene-Sullivan State Forest on June 26.

A charge of obstruction of justice ---- a class D felony ---- was filed late Thursday against Joshua Marlow, 24, of Jasonville.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Marlow allegedly filled two plastic gas cans with water and poured it on the road to hide evidence leading from the site where a truck driven by Russell L. Goodman, Sr. allegedly struck four pedestrians ---- including three children ---- who were fishing off of a bridge. The evidence led to Goodman's Pleasantville residence.

The tire on the GMC truck allegedly driven by Russell L. Goodman, Sr. was blown and the vehicle drove on its rim for several miles en route to his residence. The rim rolling on the pavement produced scratches and indentions on the roadway.

In addition, Marlow allegedly drove the suspect's truck into a wooded area in an effort to hide evidence from police after he was asked to do so by Russell Goodman, Jr., according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Greene Superior Court by Greene County Sheriff's Department Deputy Heath Murray.

About 15-20 minutes later, Marlow was told by Russell Goodman, Jr. to drive the truck out of the woods and place it behind a garage on his dad's property, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Prior to instructing Marlow to hide the truck and wash the roadway, Russell Goodman, Jr. allegedly told Marlow that his dad may have "hit a kid."

Russell L. Goodman, Sr., 46, and his son, Russell L. Goodman, Jr., both face charges filed in Greene Superior Court.

Both live at 7834 S. Pleasant Main Street in Pleasantville.

Russell Goodman, Sr., faces preliminary charges of four counts of failure to stop and remain at the scene of an accident resulting in injury - all class D felonies; and one count of obstruction of justice - a class D felony.

He was arrested Tuesday and bonded out the same day after posting $2,000 cash bond on a $20,000 appearance bond.

An initial hearing is slated for 1 p.m. on Monday in Greene Superior Court to formally charge him.

Preliminary charges of obstruction of justice - a class D felony; and false informing - a class A misdemeanor - were filed Thursday morning against Russell L. Goodman, Jr. after Superior Court Judge Dena Martin approved a probable cause affidavit. Russell Goodman, Jr. has not been arrested.

Russell Goodman Sr. is accused of being the driver of a 2002 GMC pickup with a camper top that struck 11-year-old Justice Hammond; 10-year-old Danielle Hammond; 8-year-old Blake Hammond - all of Linton, and Michael Delp, the fiancé to Jessica Giles, who was walking with the group but escaped injury.

The children's mother and Delp's sister, Veronica Hammond, also was narrowly missed by the speeding truck that allegedly failed to stop after the mishap.

The three children have been released from the hospital along with Delp. All are home, but face a long road to recovery, according Mark Hammond, the father to the trio of children.

The collision took place between the truck and four individuals on a bridge located on County Road 1400W about 340 feet north of County Road 100S in Greene County shortly after midnight on June 26.