An Adams County judge sentenced a man to 27 years in prison for causing a high-speed crash that killed a 23-year-old woman.
Justin James Sturtevant, 27, pleaded guilty in April to one count of vehicular homicide, first-degree assault and attempted first-degree assault, according to a news release from the 1st Judicial District attorney’s office. The office was assigned to the case as a special prosecutor.
On Feb. 8, 2015, Sturtevant and Spencer Jay Minton, 23, were driving their own cars on 27th Avenue in Brighton. The two were on their way to a “car meet.”
Brighton police officers spotted the pair between E. 136th Avenue and Bromley Lane, activated his emergency lights, and attempted to stop the cars.
Sturtevant was driving a Ford Mustang, and Minton was driving a Chevrolet Cobalt. The two eluded police for 4 miles.
Speeding in tandem, the two weaved in and out of traffic and crossed double yellow lines. The pair likely was driving at 120 to 126 mph, according to the news release. The posted limit in the area was 40 mph.
Sturtevant drove up behind a vehicle on the road and hit its back quarter panel as he was trying to pass over double yellow lines. The driver of that car was not hurt. Sturtevant continued driving after hitting the first car.
Sturtevant eventually hit the car Elissa Ross was driving head-on. Ross died from her injuries.
Minton did not stop after Sturtevant hit Ross. He was arrested later that day.
On June 13, Minton was convicted of vehicular homicide, vehicular eluding, leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault and leaving the scene of an accident.
Minton will be sentenced Aug. 15. He faces 10 to 32 years in prison.
