Teen drag racer sentenced to three years probation for fatal crash in Iowa City in 2023

One of two teenagers accused of “drag racing” that caused a fatal crash in 2023 has been sentenced to probation.

Elijah Seals, 18, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by reckless driving, a Class “C” felony, in September. On Monday, December 2, he was sentenced to 10 years suspended with three years suspended.

Charge stems from an accident in Iowa City that killed Jennifer Russell of Waterloo.

If Seals violates the terms of his probation by committing another crime or failing to pay required restitution during the three-year probation period, he will serve 10 years in prison.

more: One drag racing teen pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter, second denied

Seals and Ford allegedly sped down Court Street

Seals and another man, Kesian Ford, were allegedly racing side by side on Court Street in Iowa City on the night of May 27, 2023. Russell had just pulled into the intersection, stopped at a stop sign on the next street. .

Seals and Ford allegedly failed to stop at the posted sign and their vehicles collided with Russell’s vehicle. She later died from her injuries. Russell was 22.

Seals pleaded guilty to an Alford plea in September. This allowed Seale to plead guilty without making any firm admission of any crime he may have committed, only acknowledging that a jury would likely convict him of the single charge of manslaughter by reckless driving if the case went to court.

Seals also agreed to pay $150,000 in restitution to Russell’s family. Ford and Seals will jointly pay restitution if Ford pleads guilty or is sentenced early next year.

The Russell family appears in court

In court during Seals’ sentencing, Russell’s mother, father and brother spoke directly to Seals in victim impact statements, The newspaper reported.

“I think about that brutal and unbelievable moment when she was at that intersection,” said Kelly Russell, Jennifer’s mother. “What were you thinking? Have you seen her car? And you left unscathed. It’s so unfair.”

Her brother said her death had turned their “world upside down”, according to The Gazette. Jennifer’s father, Matthew, said the family had “gone through so much pain and grief”.

“We’ve lost a big part of our lives,” said Matthew Russell. “I hate you and I want you to die.” She was the best daughter. Rot in hell.”

22-year-old Russell is fondly remembered by friends and family. Born and raised in Waterloo, she loved music and dancing. Russell was also part of the Waterloo West High School dance team, according to her obituary. She was a manager at Jethro’s BBQ and raised a puppy called Matsi.

A memorial in her honor stands at the intersection where the accident occurred. She would have turned 24 on September 13.

more: Lawsuit alleging teens drag raced in Iowa City fatal crash dismissed

Ford appears set for a February trial

The court rejected Ford September turnout from guilt when the prosecution objected, stressing that the plea “is not an agreement between the parties. They accused Ford’s attorneys of failing to meet with prosecutors, saying “the state believes there was no consent” before the plea was drawn up.

The dismissal reset Ford’s trial date to February 11, 2025.

Ford is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide under “various theories,” according to court records. These include drag racing, exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 25 mph and reckless driving. He is also charged with involuntary manslaughter.

The reckless driving and speeding charges are Class “C” felonies that carry a possible 10-year prison sentence. The other two charges are Class “D” felonies that carry five years in prison if convicted.

more: Iowa City teens charged with vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter in May crash

The Russell family’s lawsuit was dismissed due to a procedural error

AND A lawsuit filed by Russell’s estate in June 2023 was dismissed months later, in Septemberafter Seals was given “personal service” of his civil notice when he was 17 and a minor. Under Iowa law, persons under the age of 18 must have a “personal service” notice, like the one given to Seals, to their guardian or supervisor.

Matthew and Kelly Russell, the parents of the late Jennifer Russell, filed a lawsuit against American Family Insurance and Seals and Ford, alleging that they were drag racing before the collision. The lawsuit sought damages, including medical bills and funeral services.

Because the procedure was not properly followed, Seals’ attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case. The Russell family’s attorney, Chad Swanson, voluntarily agreed, and the case was dismissed “without prejudice.”

Cases dismissed without prejudice allow attorneys to refile with the same parties and charges. No lawsuit was filed again.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be contacted at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on the Iowa City Press-Citizen: Seals served 3 years of probation for a fatal 2023 drag racing accident.