MOAB, Utah, April 26, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The teenage driver of a vehicle involved in a post-prom accident that killed two juveniles has been booked into the San Juan County Jail on five felony charges, including criminal automobile homicide, driving under the influence, and sexual abuse of a child.
Gage Moore, 18, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the March 5 accident, which resulted in the death of 14-year-old Taylor Bryant and 16-year-old Connor Denney, both of Moab.
The accident happened after most of the teens had attended a prom at Grand County High School. The rollover-wreck happened on Lasal Loop Road, San Juan County road 127, just south of Ken’s Lake.
Both of the teens killed were ejected from the vehicle as it rolled several times. A 17-year-old male was also ejected, but survived. A 14-year-old female was also injured, along with Moore.
Additional charges filed against Moore on Wednesday in 7th District Juvenile Court include reckless driving, unlawful possession or consumption by a minor, and lewdness involving a child.
Kendall Laws, San Juan County Attorney, said Moore was the only person in the car who was intoxicated.
“They weren’t partying or hanging out with the same people the driver was,” Laws said of the passengers.
Laws declined to give much detail on the sexual assault or other charges.
“A lot of that will come out in the preliminary hearing,” he said.
The San Juan County Attorney’s Office filed the charges in juvenile court against Moore, but is still considering asking that the case be moved to adult court, according to information from the office. Moore was 17 at the time of the crash and turned 18 four days later.
At the time, investigators said alcohol and excessive speed appeared to have contributed to the crash. According to affidavits taken later, investigators believe the car was traveling more than 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, and EMTs reported the strong odor of alcohol coming from Moore.
