Driver in deadly crash out of hospital, in jail
EUGENE, Ore. -- If indicted and convicted, the driver charged with causing the deadliest car wreck in memory could face more than 40 years in prison.
Matthew Ellmers, 24, was arraigned Tuesday at Sacred Heart’s RiverBend Hospital for four counts of first degree manslaughter, second degree assault, DUII and reckless driving. The charges stem from a car crash that killed four people and left a fifth clinging to life.
Ellmers was then released by the hospital and taken into custody by Eugene police officers who transported him to the Lane County Adult Corrections Facility.
The grand jury now has seven days to review the case and issue an indictment.
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If indicted by a grand jury and subsequently convicted, Ellmers would face more than 40 years in prison. Each count of manslaughter carries a mandatory minimum of 120 months, or 10 years.
If convicted, a judge could sentence Ellmers to serve four 10-year sentences in a consecutive order -- and then order him to serve any other convictions in the case stemming from DUII and assault charges.
First degree manslaughter applies when someone kills another person by acting recklessly with extreme indifference to life.
Investigators said preliminary blood tests indicate Ellmers had a blood alcohol level of .21 -- more than double the legal limit of .08 -- when he approached the intersection of Bertelsen Road and West 11th Avenue last Wednesday night.
Witnesses told police a red Isuzu ran a red light at extremely high speed. One witness estimated the Isuzu was going 70 mph, and a police investigator -- who said this was the worst accident he had seen in 28 years on the force -- said physical evidence indicates an extremely high rate of speed.
The Isuzu collided with a Toyota Highlander with five people on board. The t-bone crash forced the Highlander into a utility pole.
Ellmers survived with a broken leg and possibly some broken ribs, according to police.
Four of the five people inside the Highlander died instantly.
Jakobi Mulgrave survived with life-threatening injuries. He is being treated at a Portland hospital.
His mother Heather, her student Nima Gibba, and Connie Vermilyea and her son Jaziah were killed. All were wearing their seatbelts.
A friend told KVAL News Ellmers now knows four people died in the crash.
Police charged Ellmers with:
- Four counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree
- Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
- Reckless Driving
Police ask that anyone who witnessed the crash, the aftermath or has other relevant informationto please call Officer Michael Klews at (541) 682-5154 ext. 1193.
