Cedar Rapids Weather
Gates Found Guilty of Vehicular HomicideBy Dave Franzman, Reporter
CEDAR RAPIDS - Connie Gates has been found guilty of two counts of vehicular homicide and two lesser charges. The verdict came down Wednesday afternoon. The Linn County jury had deliberated less than three hours before reaching that decision.
Gates lead Cedar Rapids Police on a high speed chase that ended with the death of Richard Dankert, 76, last March. The prosecution argued that Gates had used crack cocaine for several days leading up to the deadly crash on March 25th. Gates was still in a wheelchair from her injuries when police questioned her. Other prosecution witnesses confirmed that hospital tests did show Gates had used cocaine and marijuana prior to the crash. One medical technician said the readings on the drug screen were so high it exceeded the machine's ability to record the actual levels. Prosecutors say Connie Gates proved she was guilty of vehicular homicide with her own words and actions. Assistant Linn County attorney Gerry Vander Sanden told jurors Gates may not have testified, but jurors heard the defendants own words through police interviews. In those interviews, Gates admitted to officers she was really high that day from smoking crack cocaine. Vander Sanden called the crash a tragedy that was avoidable such as if Gates had made different choices like not fleeing from police. But while Gates attorney conceded his client was guilty of driving a stolen car and possessing a small amount of drugs, he insisted the state hadn't proved her drug intoxication caused the deadly crash. Kjas Long urged jurors not to convict Gates of more than what she actually did. He said that specifically meant the vehicular homicide charges. Sentencing is set for August 13th. The two vehicular homicide counts have different penalties. Conviction of vehicular homicide involving a controlled substance carries a prison term of 25 years. The count involving eluding police carries a 10 year term. The counts do not carry a mandatory minimum term in state prison. However, conviction of vehicular homicide involving a controlled substance means Gates is not eligible for bond while awaiting sentencing. Gates was also convicted of the lesser charges of operating a vehicle without consent and possession of a controlled substance. More Good Stuff |
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