Driver accepts responsibility in crash that killed bicyclist, receives 75 month prison sentence
Multnomah Co. District Attorney's Office - 05/16/18
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Kurtis Allen Linn, 24, was sentenced to 75 months in prison following a vehicular crash that resulted in the death of Albert Sawdon, 56, on October 8, 2017.
On May 16, 2018, the defendant appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bloch and pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter in the second-degree, driving under the influence of intoxicants and assault in the fourth degree.
As part of the sentencing, Linn received a lifetime revocation of his driving privileges.
This investigation began on October 8, 2017 at approximately 5 p.m. when Gresham Police and the East Multnomah County Vehicular Crimes Team responded to the area of Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 212th Avenue in Gresham on reports of a vehicular crash.
The investigation later revealed the defendant was operating a Chevrolet Blazer in the westbound travel lanes. Linn lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a Ford Escape, injuring the driver. Just prior to impact, investigators determined Linn’s vehicle was traveling at 80 miles per hour.
Upon impact with the Ford Escape, the defendant’s vehicle struck Mr. Sawdon as he was riding his bicycle. When law enforcement arrived, they found paramedics rendering first aid to Mr. Sawdon, who died at the scene.
The investigation showed the defendant’s blood alcohol content shortly after the crash was .12%. There is also evidence that shows the defendant had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash and that he was a regular user.
Upon reviewing evidence from a TriMet bus and a separate dash camera video, it was revealed there was no evidence to show the defendant was engaged in a speed racing event.
“This resolution was heavily negotiated,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Jergovic, who prosecuted the case. “The plea agreement and sentencing takes into account the defendant’s lack of a criminal record prior to this incident and subsequent expressions of remorse. This was a very serious incident and the defendant will have to live with the realities of his actions for the rest of his life. When you take everything into consideration, this is an appropriate sentence for the defendant.”
During his sentencing, Linn explained that he has received substance abuse treatment while in custody.
The surviving victim of the crash and the family of Mr. Sawdon were consulted with about the plea negotiations and the sentencing options and were in agreement with this case resolution.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Kurtis Allen Linn, 24, was sentenced to 75 months in prison following a vehicular crash that resulted in the death of Albert Sawdon, 56, on October 8, 2017.
On May 16, 2018, the defendant appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bloch and pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter in the second-degree, driving under the influence of intoxicants and assault in the fourth degree.
As part of the sentencing, Linn received a lifetime revocation of his driving privileges.
This investigation began on October 8, 2017 at approximately 5 p.m. when Gresham Police and the East Multnomah County Vehicular Crimes Team responded to the area of Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 212th Avenue in Gresham on reports of a vehicular crash.
The investigation later revealed the defendant was operating a Chevrolet Blazer in the westbound travel lanes. Linn lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a Ford Escape, injuring the driver. Just prior to impact, investigators determined Linn’s vehicle was traveling at 80 miles per hour.
Upon impact with the Ford Escape, the defendant’s vehicle struck Mr. Sawdon as he was riding his bicycle. When law enforcement arrived, they found paramedics rendering first aid to Mr. Sawdon, who died at the scene.
The investigation showed the defendant’s blood alcohol content shortly after the crash was .12%. There is also evidence that shows the defendant had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash and that he was a regular user.
Upon reviewing evidence from a TriMet bus and a separate dash camera video, it was revealed there was no evidence to show the defendant was engaged in a speed racing event.
“This resolution was heavily negotiated,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Jergovic, who prosecuted the case. “The plea agreement and sentencing takes into account the defendant’s lack of a criminal record prior to this incident and subsequent expressions of remorse. This was a very serious incident and the defendant will have to live with the realities of his actions for the rest of his life. When you take everything into consideration, this is an appropriate sentence for the defendant.”
During his sentencing, Linn explained that he has received substance abuse treatment while in custody.
The surviving victim of the crash and the family of Mr. Sawdon were consulted with about the plea negotiations and the sentencing options and were in agreement with this case resolution.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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