Douglas County Judge Ryan J. Stuart has sentenced 33-year-old James McDonald to 12 years in prison for a deadly crash on I-25. According to a news release, Colorado State Patrol responded to a single-car rollover crash on I-25 near exit 184 on the afternoon of November 18, 2022. At the scene, troopers discovered a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer on its side in a drainage ditch.

Authorities say the investigation determined that the driver, McDonald, had been speeding and weaving in and out of traffic before he lost control and crashed into a guardrail. The car went airborne and rolled before landing on its side. While the automobile was airborne, the backseat passenger was thrown from the car.

McDonald and two passengers were transported to Sky Ridge Medical Center for treatment. Hours later, the backseat passenger succumbed to her injuries. McDonald was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Speeding. After a three-day trial, McDonald was found guilty on both charges. He received the maximum sentence allowed under Colorado law.