Toxicologist estimates Josh Brent had 17 drinks on night of crash

Justin Schwane, a toxicologist working for the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences, took the stand Wednesday in the trial of former Dallas Cowboys lineman Josh Brent and said the blood sample he tested indicates Brent had consumed “approximately 17 standard size drinks” on the night of the 2012 car crash that killed teammate Jerry Brown Jr.

In the opening remarks on Monday, Brent’s attorney claimed his client wasn’t driving drunk that evening.

Schwane was cross-examined by defense attorney Deanna Grant about the integrity of the blood alcohol testing, but Schwane was adamant that the conducted tests met industry standards and that the equipment was both properly stored and not contaminated.

For those who haven’t followed the story, here’s a summary of the punishment facing Brent:

"In addition to the intoxication manslaughter charge, Brent was also indicted for manslaughter. If a jury finds he was not intoxicated, he can still be convicted on the second count. He faces up to 20 years in prison but could also be sentenced to probation."

We’ll keep you updated with more information as the trial continues.

[Source: USA Today Sports]