Teen Driver Crash Case Decision Delayed
- Share via
A judge Monday declared a three-day postponement in the preliminary hearing that will decide whether the teenage driver of a sport utility vehicle that flipped and crashed in Newport Beach, killing one of 10 teens inside, should stand trial on a felony charge.
The delay resulted from new evidence from prosecution witnesses on whether Irvine Avenue was wet from city sprinklers the night of May 23, when the 1989 Chevy Blazer driven by Jason Rausch, 18, flipped while rounding a sharp curve.
Donny Bridgman, also 18, was killed, and several others were injured.
Amanda Arthur, a Newport Harbor High School cheerleader, and classmate Daniel Townsend suffered potentially permanent brain injuries.
During the delay, defense lawyer Jennifer Keller will interview witnesses and review reports concerning an officer’s surprise testimony that city sprinklers did not cause the fatal accident. That statement came after other witnesses testified the road was wet at the time of the crash.
The case resumes Thursday.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
