Teen Killer Sentenced: 210 Months for Deadly High-Speed Crash

Chase Jones, who admitted guilt to vehicular manslaughter resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three children, received his sentence today.

According to the terms of his plea deal, he received a sentence of 210 months, which equals 17.5 years.

On March 19, 2024, Jones was traveling at 112 miles per hour through the intersection of S 192nd St. and 140th Ave S in Renton when his vehicle collided with a van.

The accident resulted in the death of Buster Brown, aged 1 twelve years; Eloise Wilcoxson, thirteen years old; Matilda Wilcoxson, also twelve; and Andrea Hudson, thirty-eight years old.

Two additional children in the van sustained life-changing injuries, and one adult received minor injuries.

There aren’t enough words to convey the sorrow and anguish we’re experiencing. Four shining stars have been taken away, leaving us with an overwhelming sense of emptiness," stated Chase Wilcoxson, whose two children passed after the accident. "While time may help mend our emotional injuries, these marks left upon our souls will endure throughout our lifetimes.

As stated in the court documents for the case, this marked the third car that Jones had wrecked due to excessive speed within the past eleven months.

At the time of the fatal accident, he was 18 years old.

ALSO READ: Fatal Renton crash sparks debate: Should adolescents be equipped with 'speed limiters' in cars?

Earlier in April, Jones surprisingly pleaded guilty.

He has admitted guilt to four charges of vehicular manslaughter and two charges of vehicular assault.

On Thursday, following the plea announcement, Wilcoxson spoke with KIRO 7 and stated:

I find no joy in his or his family’s suffering. It is essential for Chase Jones and our community as a whole to accept accountability and face consequences. My thoughts are with him, and I encourage all of you to join me in praying for him.

Vehicular manslaughter is categorized as a Class A felony, potentially resulting in a life sentence. Nevertheless, sentencing guidelines in Washington, established by state legislators via a sentencing grid, dictate punishments—these typical ranges of penalty significantly differ from the maximum allowed.

"Statewide sentencing guidelines are established according to an offender score, which takes into account past criminal records and present charges. Chase Jones did not have any prior traffic violations and didn’t face any pending charges when this accident occurred. The convictions he received today result in an offender score of 10," stated the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Impacts of the crash

HB 1596 —also known as the Andrea Smith Hudson Act, named after one of the casualties in this accident—is currently progressing through the Washington State Legislature. This legislation targets speeding motorists and notably proposes mandating the installation of intelligent speed assistance systems similar to how ignition interlock devices manage drunk driving. Such technology would prevent vehicles from exceeding speeds greater than 10 miles per hour above any established speed limits. Virginia was the pioneering state to enforce these safety measures, and King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion expresses optimism that this act could significantly decrease incidents involving excessive speeding along with related severe injuries.

As part of Jones' admission, he has agreed to use a speed-limiting device on every vehicle he operates from now on.

HB 1596 Last month, I passed the State House and attended a hearing on Monday in the Senate’s Transportation Committee. Andrea Hudson's father gave testimony during both the House and Senate Public Hearings. Amy Freedheim, who leads the Felony Traffic Unit and was one of the prosecutors for Jones' case, played a role in shaping the bill and also provided her support through testimony.

Following this tragic event, numerous residents living close to the intersection have expressed their anger to King County leaders regarding the high risk this section of the roadway poses for all users.

Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who represents the area where the accident took place, has been instrumental in implementing various measures to enhance roadway safety. According to his statement to KIRO 7, they have decreased the speed limit along that section of the road from 40 to 35 miles per hour, installed median barriers, and positioned at least five radar units to monitor speeding vehicles.

He mentions his intention to propose adding roundabouts near the location where the accident occurred as well.