Lawsuit Filed In Deadly I-70 Crash That Killed 2 Women
LIMON, Colo. (CBS4)- A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in a deadly crash on Interstate 70 that left two women dead.
A 16-year-old driver is accused of hitting the women, Shun Jones and her niece, Amanda Omo-Iyamu, while they were changing a tire on the side of the road just east of Limon on July 14.
The Colorado State Patrol says Michel Martin originally told them he was driving but investigators say he lied and it was actually his 16-year-old son, Tristan Martin, who was behind the wheel. Another car allegedly picked Tristan up and took him to Wyoming.
The investigation into the deadly crash remains open as the first lawsuit was filed against Michel, 37, and Tristan Martin.
Jones' son, LaMarcus Lockett II, was in the back of the car when his family members were hit. He says he wants severe punishment for both.
"It happened so fast," said Jones' son Lockett. "It's like a nightmare to me. When I saw them get hit I was in disbelief."
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in the Lincoln County Courthouse on behalf of Jones' sons.
"I am mad. The whole family is mad. That's why I want justice today," said Lockett.
"He's taken the life of my sister that has two sons that love her. My niece," said Laura Kaye Jones Batts. "They have killed two parents."
Their attorney said the teen should have never been behind the wheel of a semi because those vehicles require a commercial driver's license. CDLs are only given to drivers 21 years and older and require special training.
"It's unbelievable to know a 16-year-old was actually given permission to drive a commercially regulated semi truck, pulling a heavy load on the interstate with total reckless disregard for the public safety," said Lockett's Attorney Chris Elliott.
Michel is facing one count of false reporting. Tristan Martin is accused of leaving the scene of an accident and careless driving resulting in death. They are scheduled to appear in court Aug. 10.
Omo-Iyamu's family has also retained an attorney.
