2 women plead not guilty to vehicular homicide, drag racing charges

JACKSON, Tenn. — Two suspects in an alleged vehicular homicide which killed a Jackson couple appeared Tuesday morning in court.

Makarious Searcy and Jordan Bailey are accused in the deaths of Jay and Julie Hogan from a wreck last July on Vann Drive. Each faces allegations of vehicular homicide, four separate counts of drag racing, reckless endangerment and reckless driving, according to court papers.

Investigators say the two women were drag racing the night of the couple’s death.

“Not guilty means exactly what it says, and that is they don’t feel like, at least my client doesn’t feel like she has any criminal responsibility for the actions, which occurred on the night of the unfortunate event in which folks died,” said Bailey’s attorney, Robert Brannon.

Bailey was 17 when the crash happened, but she is being tried as an adult. Her attorney says she is a college student and is employed.

“Should it go to a bond hearing motion, all of that would be brought forth to a judge because this young lady’s been at all court appearances, she is a student, she has been gainfully employed,” Brannon said.

Both women are scheduled to appear in court again July 15 to hear motions from the state. Judge Roy Morgan set a September trial date.