Wreck of Austin Campbell’s booze cruise that killed his pal Jacob Cecil Photo courtesy of KTVB
Austin Campbell pleaded guilty to fatal DUI Ada County Idaho Jail 062017
Austin Campbell pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter in the death of Jacob Cecil.
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06/20/2017 — According to the Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts, Austin Eugene Campbell has entered a guilty plea to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter, and one count of Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence. Campbell appeared in District Court today before the Honorable Judge Deborah Bail to enter the pleas. These charges stemmed from an incident when Campbell was driving friend’s home from a bar and lost control of his vehicle while trying to exit the connector. One passenger Jacob Cecil, was killed in the crash. Two other passengers suffered major injuries and a fourth passenger also suffered injuries. Campbell’s blood alcohol level was determined to be .211.
Felony Vehicular Manslaughter is a felony charge which carries a potential penalty of up to fifteen years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine. Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence is also a felony charge and carries a potential penalty of up to fifteen years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Evidence at the scene revealed a crushed beer can, a case of beer and a bottle of whiskey that was three-fourths full were found at the scene, prosecutors said.
Officers reportedly described Campbell as “belligerent,” and he refused to tell them how much he had to drink. A warrant was issued to mandate a blood draw, according to the prosecution.
Campbell accepted a plea agreement whereby the State will recommend a prison sentence of six years fixed, and nine years indeterminate, for a total sentence of fifteen years, on each count. The State will recommend that the two sentences run concurrent. A second count of Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence will be dismissed as part of that agreement. The Defendant is free to argue for a lesser penalty.
Sentencing will be held on Friday, August 25th, 2017, at 9:30am.