Two Drivers Charged in Fatal Colorado Street Racing Crash

One driver faces vehicular homicide charges after striking and killing a pedestrian in Grand Junction crosswalk.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the glass fractured and reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence and destruction caused by street racing.The aftermath of a fatal street racing crash exposes the grim reality of the dangers posed by this reckless behavior.Grand Junction Today

Two drivers were formally charged last week for street racing in central Grand Junction, Colorado in December 2025. One of the drivers, 21-year-old Jacob Morton, faces two counts of vehicular homicide after his Dodge Challenger struck and killed 63-year-old pedestrian Gary Descheene, who was crossing the street in a crosswalk. The other driver, a 54-year-old Grand Junction woman, faces charges for reckless driving and speed contest.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of street racing, which has become an increasing problem in many communities. The crash occurred in a busy medical district, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stricter enforcement and penalties to deter this reckless behavior.

The details

According to police, Morton and the other driver were racing their vehicles on Patterson Road, with Morton's Challenger reaching speeds over 67 mph in a 35 mph zone. Surveillance video showed the two cars accelerating from a red light, not ending their race as Morton had claimed. Descheene was crossing the street in the crosswalk when he was struck and killed. Morton admitted to smoking marijuana several hours before the incident, and a blood test showed he was at the legal limit of impairment in Colorado.

  • The crash occurred on December 11, 2025 at 8:45 p.m.
  • Arrest warrants for Morton and the other driver were issued on April 1, 2026.
  • Morton and the other driver appeared in court on April 2, 2026 and were released on bail.
  • Morton was formally charged on April 6, 2026 with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and speed contest.
  • The additional charge of vehicular homicide for driving under the influence was added to Morton's case on April 6, 2026.

The players

Jacob Morton

A 21-year-old driver who was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and speed contest.

Gary Descheene

A 63-year-old Grand Junction resident who was struck and killed by Morton's vehicle while crossing the street in a crosswalk.

Grand Junction Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the fatal crash and filed charges against the two drivers.

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What they’re saying

“I hit the pedestrian after I looked over my shoulder at the other car while approaching 7th and was unable to avoid him.”

— Jacob Morton, Driver of Dodge Challenger

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 12 whether to allow Jacob Morton to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement and penalties to deter dangerous street racing, which puts innocent lives at risk in communities across the country.