Hearing for new Lee trial begins

Jessica Mador
St. Paul, Minn.

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Koua Fong Lee supporter
Roger Taoly of St. Paul held a sign Monday in support of Koua Fong Lee, who is serving 8 years for vehicular homicide after killing three people in a car accident in 2006. At the time of the accident, Lee was driving a Toyota Camry. Drivers have since complained of braking and acceleration problems with later model Toyotas.
MPR Photo/Jess Mador

A hearing for a new trial begins Monday in St. Paul for a man convicted of criminal vehicular homicide for a crash involving his 1996 Toyota Camry.

Koua Fong Lee, 32, is serving eight years for the 2006 crash that killed three people.

Lee has insisted he tried to stop the car, saying his car experienced "sudden unintended acceleration" -- the same problem for which millions of newer Toyota Camrys have been recalled.

Two experts hired by the Ramsey County attorney's office re-examined Lee's car in April and said they found no evidence of sudden acceleration.

Both sides will present their arguments on whether Lee should get a new trial before Judge Joanne Smith in St Paul.

Lee supporters plan to rally outside the court before the start of the hearing Monday morning.

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