A Great Falls man has been sentenced to over three years in prison following a fatal crash on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Emil Saunders Day Chief, 42, admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his vehicle, resulting in the death of his passenger. The incident occurred when Day Chief was driving at a high speed before veering off the road, overcorrecting, and rolling over twice. His passenger, identified as Jane Doe, was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of the crash. Day Chief’s blood alcohol content was found to be 0.335 percent, and his blood tested positive for THC. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Montana Highway Patrol, and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.
Fatal Crash on Blackfeet Indian Reservation Leads to Over Three Years in Prison for Great Falls Man
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Introduction
A fatal crash on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation has resulted in a Great Falls man being sentenced to over three years in prison. This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Background
The fatal crash occurred on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, a vast and diverse land located in the state of Montana. The driver involved in the incident was from Great Falls, a city known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. The passenger, unfortunately, remains unidentified and is referred to as Jane Doe.
Sentencing
Following the crash, the Great Falls man was sentenced to three years and two months in prison. In addition to the prison term, he will also be subject to three years of supervised release. This sentencing serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and individuals must be held responsible for the harm they cause.
Details of the Crash
The crash was a result of speeding, with eyewitnesses reporting that the driver was traveling at approximately 90 mph. As a result of excessive speed, the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to overcorrection and subsequent rollover. Tragically, the passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.
Investigation
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation of the crash. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Montana Highway Patrol, and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office worked together to gather evidence and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
At the scene of the crash, officers discovered beer cans both inside the vehicle and scattered around the area. Additionally, an empty jar from a marijuana dispensary was found, indicating the potential presence of drug use. These findings were crucial in uncovering the factors that contributed to the crash.
Prosecution
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley. With the assistance of the investigative agencies involved, Betley built a strong case against the driver, presenting evidence to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The collaborative efforts of the prosecution and law enforcement agencies were instrumental in seeking justice for the victim and their family.
Involuntary Manslaughter Charge
The driver was charged with involuntary manslaughter, as his actions directly resulted in the death of his passenger. Involuntary manslaughter refers to the unintentional killing of another person as a result of negligence or reckless behavior. In this case, the driver’s decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol constituted reckless behavior.
Judge’s Ruling
The presiding judge in this case was Brian M. Morris. After carefully considering the evidence presented by the prosecution, Judge Morris delivered a ruling that included a prison sentence of three years and two months. This ruling emphasizes the severity of the offense and aims to deter others from engaging in similar dangerous behavior.
Blood Alcohol Content
During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .335 percent at the time of the crash. This significantly exceeds the legal limit for operating a vehicle, highlighting the driver’s impaired state and impaired judgment on the road.
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Positive THC Test
In addition to the elevated BAC, the driver’s blood tested positive for THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. This finding suggests that the driver was operating the vehicle while under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, further compounding his impairment and contributing to the severity of the crash.
Victim’s Cause of Death
The crash resulted in the tragic death of the passenger, Jane Doe. The cause of her death was determined to be blunt force injuries sustained during the rollover. These injuries were a direct result of being ejected from the vehicle. The loss of Jane Doe serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
In conclusion, the fatal crash on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and subsequent sentencing of a Great Falls man highlight the importance of responsible driving and the severe repercussions of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution serve as a testament to the commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families. This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder to prioritize safety on the roads and to make responsible choices to prevent further loss of life.
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