Jewkes receives sentence of 15 to 20 years

Joy Ufford, jufford@pinedaleroundup.com
Posted 8/26/21

Jewkes’ fate was announced at the end of her one-day trial on Aug. 19.

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Jewkes receives sentence of 15 to 20 years

Posted

SUBLETTE COUNTY – Following hours of arguments from defendant Jade. S. Jewkes herself, her supporters, as well as family and friends of the Pinedale man she killed in a New Year’s Day head-on two vehicle collision, 9th District Court Judge Marv Tyler sentenced Jewkes to 15 to 20 years in prison.

The Aug. 19 decision capped a nearly eight-month legal process where Jewkes initially pleaded not guilty to the aggravated vehicular homicide, while intoxicated, of Shane Deal. Defense attorney John LaBuda told the court that came upon his advice. After reviewing police reports, they agreed Jewkes would change her plea to guilty.

Jewkes’ fate was announced at the end of her one-day trial on Aug. 19. It completed after Roundup press deadlines.

Shane Deal’s tearful, angry and grieving family confronted Jewkes during the morning session. They and Sublette County Attorney Mike Crosson asked Judge Tyler to impose the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The morning also included victim impact statements and testimony from Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Klief Guenther to testify about the 911 calls and collision details.

The defense pleaded its case for a lesser sentence during the afternoon. LaBuda brought forward character witnesses like Jewkes’ friends, coworkers and family. They spoke of how Jewkes has transformed since Jan. 1. It was mentioned that Jewkes was working with a Casper attorney to ensure insurance money goes to the Deal family. The defense requested a sentence of seven to 14 years and rested.

Before sentencing, Jewkes tried to speak directly to the Deal family and expressed her sorrow. She also shared her commitment to sobriety.

Judge Tyler recapped all that was shared that day, including Jewkes’ admissions. He ordered two restitution requests to be paid – one for $3,640.20 for Deal’s funeral costs and another for $392.19 for counseling.

When Judge Tyler announced his sentencing of 15 to 20 years, Jewkes cried. Then a court deputy took her to jail.