One of the two teens accused of “drag racing” that led to a fatal 2023 crash has been sentenced to probation.
Elijah Seals, 18, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle because of reckless driving, a Class “C” felony, in September. He was given a 10-year suspended sentence that included three years of probation on Monday, Dec. 2.
The charge stems from an accident in Iowa City that killed Jennifer Russell of Waterloo.
If Seals violates the terms of his probation by committing another crime or failing to pay required restitution during the three-year probation period, he will serve the 10-year prison term.
More: One ‘drag racing’ teens pleads guilty to vehicular homicide, 2nd teen’s plea denied
Seals and Ford allegedly raced along Court Street
Seals and another man, Kesean Ford, were allegedly side-by-side and drag-racing down Court Street in Iowa City on the night of May 27, 2023. Russell had just entered the intersection after stopping at a stop sign on an adjoining street.
Seals and Ford allegedly failed to stop at the posted sign and their vehicles collided with Russell’s car. She later died from her injuries. Russell was 22.
Seals pleaded guilty, entering an Alford Plea in September. The plea allowed Seal to plead guilty without making any firm admission of any crime he may have committed, only admitting that a jury would likely find him guilty of the singular charge − vehicular homicide because of reckless driving − if the case went to trial.
Seals also agreed to pay $150,000 in restitution to Russell’s family. Ford and Seals will pay restitution together if Ford pleads guilty or is convicted at trial early next year.
Russell family speaks in court
In court at Seals’ sentencing, Russell’s mother, father and brother talked directly to Seals through victim impact statements, The Gazette reported.
“I think about that cruel and unbelievable moment she was at that intersection,” Kelly Russell, Jennifer’s mother said. “What were you thinking? Did you see her car? And you walked away without injury. So unfair.”
Her brother said her death has turned their “world upside down,” The Gazette reported. Jennifer’s father, Matthew, said the family had “suffered so much pain and sorrow.”
“We lost a big part of our life,” Matthew Russell said. “I hate you and wish you were dead. She was the best daughter. Rot in hell.”
The 22-year-old Russell was remembered fondly by friends and family. She was born and raised in Waterloo and loved music and dancing. Russell was also part of the Waterloo West High School dance team, according to her obituary. She was a manager at Jethro’s BBQ and raised a puppy, Maci.
A memorial in her honor sits at the intersection where the crash occurred. She would have turned 24 on Sept. 13.
More: Lawsuit accusing teens of drag racing in Iowa City before fatal accident dismissed
Ford appears headed for February trial
The court rejected Ford’s September guilty plea when prosecutors objected, emphasizing that the plea “does not represent an agreement between the parties. They accused Ford’s lawyers of not meeting with prosecutors, saying “the state believes there has been no meeting of the minds” before the plea was drafted.
The rejection reset a trial date for Ford to Feb. 11, 2025.
Ford is charged with three counts of homicide by vehicle under “different theories,” according to court filings. These include drag racing, speeding more than 25 miles an hour over the posted limit and reckless driving. He is also charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The reckless driving and excess speeding charges are Class “C” felonies that carry a possible 10-year prison sentence. The other two charges are Class “D” felonies that would carry five-year sentences if convicted.
More: Iowa City teens charged with vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter from May crash
Russell family lawsuit dismissed for procedural error
A lawsuit filed by Russell’s estate in June 2023 was dismissed a few months later, in September, after Seals was provided “personal service” of his civil notice while still 17 and a minor. Under Iowa law, persons under 18 must have “personal service” notices, like the one provided to Seals, given to their guardian or conservator.
Matthew and Kelly Russell, the parents of the late Jennifer Russell, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Family Insurance and Seals and Ford, claiming they were drag racing before the collision. The suit sought restitution for damages, including medical bills and funeral services.
Since the procedure was not followed correctly, Seals’ attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case. A Russell family attorney, Chad Swanson, voluntarily accepted and the case was dismissed “without prejudice.”
Cases dismissed without prejudice allow attorneys to re-file with the same parties and accusations. The lawsuit has not been re-filed.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Seals served 3 years probation for fatal 2023 ‘drag racing’ crash