CSP: Teen Was Driving Semi That Struck, Killed 2
LIMON, Colo. (CBS4/AP) - Authorities say a 16-year-old boy was driving a tractor-trailer that struck and killed two Texas women who were changing a tire on Interstate 70 near Limon.
The Colorado State Patrol says a 37-year-old man who was with the teen initially claimed to have been driving. The teen, Tristan Martin, of Sulphur, La., left before officers arrived and has been charged with two felony counts of leaving the scene of a deadly accident, as well as one misdemeanor count of careless driving causing death. The man, Michel Preston Martin, also from Sulphur, faces one misdemeanor count of false reporting.
The truck struck the women at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Killed in the crash were 48-year-old Shun Jones, of Carrollton, Texas, and 38-year-old Amanda Omo-Iyamu, of Balch Springs, Texas.
Jones and Omo-Iyamu had been planning a trip to Colorado to visit family. Emmanuel Omo-Iyamu says his wife had originally planned to fly, but was convinced by Jones to take the long road trip instead.
"When I was on my way to work last night she called me about 9 p.m. (and said) that they were in Oklahoma. I said, 'Okay, just give me a call when you get there, I'm on my way to work.' She said, 'Okay.' I guess I'm not going to get a call no more," Emmanuel Omo-Iyamu told CBS4.
Amanda Omo-Iyamu was a mother of five. Jones was her aunt. She leaves behind two grown children. Her youngest son was on board their disabled vehicle when the two were killed.
"I just believe the Lord wanted her to go that way. There's nothing else I can say," Emmanuel Omo-Iyamu said.
Drugs and alcohol are not believed to have contributed to the crash.
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