CRIME, POLICE + COURTS
Dump truck driver charged after fatal U.S. 40 crash
Oct 22, 2018, 6:43 PM
Six people died in a crash after a dump truck that was reportedly being driven recklessly crossed over the freeway median and hit a pickup truck broadside near Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Friday Oct. 19, 2018, officials said. (Photo: Utah Highway Patrol)
(Photo: Utah Highway Patrol)
HEBER CITY — Prosecutors are formally charging the man suspected in a crash on U.S. 40 involving a dump truck and killing six people. Investigators say the suspect alcohol had a part to play.
Jamie Don Mckenzie, 41, faces six counts of automobile homicide for the number of people killed in the crash. He also faces two counts of DUI for the two women injured after their car was clipped by the dump truck in the crash.
According to attorney and former prosecutor Greg Skordas, prosecutors do not take this type of case lightly.
“Any time you have a driving offense involving alcohol and a death, the state can charge it as a felony. That’s a felony for each individual death.”
Each of those felony counts carry a potential 5-15 year sentence.
Court records show McKenzie has a history of alcohol, domestic violence, and driving-related offenses. Skordas says while one of the charges may have temporarily suspended his commercial driver license a few years back, nothing has risen to the level of permanent disqualification.
“This individual’s prior impaired driving was in 2013. I am certain the State of Utah would have suspended his CDL for a year at that time,” Skordas says.
McKenzie made his initial court appearance this afternoon in Wasatch County District Court.
