Hunter
10/18/23
The Johnson County Attorney’s office has filed charges against two juveniles whose alleged drag racing caused the death of a Waterloo woman.
The incident occurred on May 27th this year. An official accident report from the Iowa State Patrol indicates 17-year-old Kesean Ford drove a 2008 Saturn Vue through the stop sign at Court Street and 7th Avenue at the same time 17-year-old Elijah Seals drove a 2012 GMC Acadia through the same intersection while both were driving westbound on Court at a high rate of speed. The two reportedly hit a 2017 Chevy Malibu being driven by 22-year-old Jennifer Russell before 11pm May 27th. Court Street at that location only has one lane in each direction.
Russell died at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Ford, Seals and 17-year-old Michel Mbokolo were also treated at the UIHC for their injuries.
In a release Wednesday announcing the charges, county attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith said her office will seek to waive jurisdiction from juvenile court to Johnson County District Court for both juveniles. Ford and Seals have been charged with two counts each of Homicide by Vehicle and Involuntary Manslaughter. They could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
A civil lawsuit filed by Russell’s estate against the juveniles was dismissed due to a procedural error. Attorneys can still refile the suit.