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'Midnight Rider' filmmakers booked in Georgia in Sarah Jones' on-set death
A compilation of mugshots from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office shows Randall Miller (L) and Jody Savin, director and producer, respectively, of the biopic about rock musician Gregg Allman. The two have been charged with felony manslaughter in the set death of camera assistant Sarah Jones.
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Wayne County Sheriff's Office
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Two filmmakers charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of camera assistant Sarah Jones on the set of "Midnight Rider" have been booked and released in Georgia after posting bail.
Randall Miller and Jody Savin, respectively the director and producer of the biopic about rock musician Gregg Allman, turned themselves in Sunday and were both released after posting a $27,700 bond, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
Jones was killed by an oncoming train in February while working on a railroad bridge for a scene in the film.
Miller, Savin and executive producer Jay Sedrish were indicted July 3 on charges of involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing in connection with the crash that occurred the day the filmmakers began shooting a movie based on the life of singer Gregg Allman, the Associated Press reported.
Sedrish has yet to turn himself in, according to Deadline Hollywood, which reports that he has another week to do so and that arrangements are being made to meet that timetable.
If convicted, the filmmakers each could face up to 11 years in prison, according to the Associated Press.
The train crash that led to Jones' death has also prompted at least three lawsuits:
- Jones' parents filed suit against the three indicted filmmakers and others (AP)
- Joyce Gilliard, a hairstylist who fractured her arm in the crash, says the incident left her with permanent injuries and post-traumatic stress (The Hollywood Reporter)
- Gregg Allman sued to stop production on the film (Daily News)
In early July, actors Paul Dano, Heather Locklear and Jinhee Joung appeared alongside makeup artists, directors of photography, production assistants and craft service workers in a public service announcement in a show of support for Sarah Jones' family.
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