A 35-year-old man has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter in connection with a fiery crash in downtown Salt Lake City that killed a woman earlier this month.
Shane Roy Gillette allegedly had marijuana in his system and was traveling about 70 mph when his pickup truck struck the rear end of a Mazda driven by 26-year-old Julie Ann Jorgenson at about 5:15 a.m. on Jan. 6.
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
Immediately following the crash at 500 South and 300 East, Jorgenson’s car caught fire. She was badly burned and pronounced dead at the scene. The state medical examiner found she likely died instantly.
In addition to manslaughter, Gillette is charged with driving with a measurable amount of a controlled substance in his bloodstream, a third-degree felony. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of drug paraphernalia possession, speeding and operating an unsafe vehicle.
According to charging documents, the windows of Gillette’s pickup truck were covered with a layer of ice and frost. The ice had been removed from an area about six inches square on the windshield, and a small area on the passenger side window also had been cleared, charges state.
Gillette was still inside the truck when police arrived. Despite the 14-degree outside temperature, he was not wearing a shirt or shoes, charges state.
Medical personnel observed Gillette might be under the influence of some type of substance and he was in possession of a marijuana pipe, charges state. Toxicology tests later showed the presence of marijuana in his blood, charges state.
Investigating officers saw no evidence that Gillette applied his brakes prior to impact, charges state.
The posted speed limit at the accident scene is 30 mph, but a witness reported Gillette’s truck was traveling at "highway" speeds just before the crash. A reconstruction of the accident indicates Gillette was traveling in excess of 70 mph at impact, charges state.
Gillette is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday in 3rd District Court.
He is being held at the Salt Lake County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.
— Stephen Hunt contributed to this story
Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
