Prosecutors in southeast Utah have filed an automobile homicide charge against a driver they say was drunk when he killed another driver.
The April 21 crash killed Filemon Montoya, 57.
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
Montoya was listed as a resident of Sweetwater, Texas, but was from Utah. His services were held in West Jordan.
Erik H. Yazzie, 32, of Phoenix has been charged with automobile homicide, driving under the influence, theft by receiving stolen property and improper lane change.
On April 21, Yazzie left a Moab restaurant without paying, according to charges filed in 7th District Court, took a stolen a 2003 Ford Taurus and drove south on U.S. Highway 191. About 15 miles south of Moab, the Utah Highway Patrol has said, Yazzie crossed the center line and crashed head-on into Montoya’s Ford Escape.
Montoya died at the scene. Yazzie received significant injury. A helicopter flew him to a hospital in Grand Junction, Colo.
Court documents claim Yazzie had a blood-alcohol level of 0.21 after the crash. Utah law considers .08 too drunk to drive.
The homicide charge is a second-degree felony punishable by one to 15 years in prison. The drunk driving charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The theft and traffic violation are misdemeanors.
The charges were filed July 13 by the San Juan County attorney. There is a warrant for Yazzie’s arrest. As of Monday, he had not yet been booked into the San Juan County jail.
-
Awesome power of nature on display in Salt Lake City
Published May 23, 2013 03:25:03PM -
Kennecott announces first wave of layoffs
Published May 23, 2013 02:32:06PM -
NSA, Herbert confident data center can avoid new energy tax
Published May 23, 2013 02:28:22PM -
Take a peek ‘Behind the Candelabra’
Published May 23, 2013 02:26:03PM
Twitter: @natecarlisle
Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
