Friday, July 23, 2004

Bellevue man faces manslaughter charges

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

A Bellevue man faces vehicular manslaughter charges for his involvement in a May 4 Hailey automobile accident that took the life of a California woman.

Kenneth D. Martens, 25, is named in the complaint, filed Friday, July 16, by Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Whatcott. The complaint alleges Martens failed to yield to a pedestrian and also may be guilty of inattentive driving.

According to Idaho Code, the maximum penalty for vehicular manslaughter varies depending on the severity of the crime. The maximum fine could be anywhere between $2,000 and $15,000, and maximum jail time can vary between one year in jail to 15 years in prison. Punishment might also include suspension of driving privileges.

The accident occurred when Janice L. Hawkins, 45, of Los Angeles attempted to cross a primary downtown intersection in Hailey. She was declared dead at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center.

Hailey Police Chief Brian McNary said the accident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. as Martens, who was driving a 2000 Dodge Ram pickup truck, was making a left hand turn from Bullion Street to head north on Main Street.

McNary said Hawkins was crossing Main Street in the crosswalk, heading west toward Bullion Square. A traffic light controls the intersection, but there are no separate turn lanes.

Hawkins was transported to St. Luke’s by ambulance, McNary said.

Hailey Police Officer Jeff Laybourne filed a criminal complaint with the Blaine County Prosecutor's Office following a lengthy investigation into the incident.

According to McNary, drivers are required to yield for pedestrians in Hailey.

"I can think of at least eight accidents where kids or adults have been struck at intersections in the last five years," McNary said. "We’re going to have to do something different."

Hailey City Councilman Rick Davis said he would like to see turn signals incorporated into the Bullion and Main Street traffic light. He said the Idaho Transportation Department has not been supportive of the idea.

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