Lyon County DA: Man sentenced to prison in December crash killing Silver Springs resident
A California man who pled guilty to DUI drugs causing the death of a Silver Springs man in a Dec. 14, 2016 fatal crash on US 95 in Lyon County has been sentenced to prison, Lyon County District Attorney Stephen B. Rye said Tuesday.
Stephen Russell Murray, 52, from Alta, Calif., pleaded guilty to driving under the Influence of a controlled substance causing death, a category B felony. On Monday, March 20 the Third Judicial District Court sentenced Murray to a minimum of six years to a maximum of 20 years in the Nevada State Prison. The court also ordered restitution in the amount of $17,826.76.
This case occurred on Dec. 14, 2016, when Murray was driving recklessly from Silver Springs toward Fernley on US 95 Alternate in Lyon County.
Murray crossed the center line and collided head on with a vehicle driven by Stephen Johnson, 25, of Silver Springs. Johnson died as a result of the crash. A blood test from Mr. Murray showed that he had prohibited levels of marijuana metabolite, amphetamine and methamphetamine in his blood.
He also had the active ingredient of marijuana in his blood at the time of the accident. Troopers searched Murray’s vehicle and found marijuana, methamphetamine, two handguns and $11,375 in cash. The Nevada Highway Patrol investigated the case.
Johnson’s widow, his mother and mother-in-law and a witness to the accident testified at the sentencing hearing. These innocent victims spoke of the life of Stephen Johnson and described in detail the tragedy and loss, and the continued struggles each face, all of which was caused by Mr. Murray’s actions and choices in this case.
Murray pleaded guilty in the case and expressed remorse for his actions during the sentencing hearing. He apologized to the victims and family present in the courtroom.
“This case is yet another example of the tragic consequences of impaired driving and methamphetamine. Mr. Johnson was only 25 years old when he lost his life because of the choices made by Mr. Murray," said District Attorney Rye. "The combination of controlled substances and driving has tragic consequences. The witness acted promptly in calling 911 to report Murray’s reckless driving, but unfortunately, there was not time for law enforcement to intervene to prevent the collision. It is important that we continue as a community to report reckless and impaired driving. Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Johnson.”
Damian Sinnott and Brian Haslem prosecuted this case for the Lyon County District Attorney.
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