54-year-old, 21-year-old street racing led to pedestrian’s death

Two individuals from Colorado have been charged in connection with an alleged street race that resulted in a pedestrian's death late last year.

Jacob Morton, 21, and Kari Frederick, 54, were both taken into custody on April 1 after an investigation into the automobile collision that claimed the life of 63-year-old Gary Descheene on December 11, 2025. 

As per the Grand Junction Police Department, both Morton and Frederick face charges of participating in a speed competition and reckless driving. 

Additionally, Morton is facing two counts of vehicular homicide, with one charge alleging drug influence at the time.

The Daily Sentinel, a local news source in Grand Junction, acquired an arrest affidavit that indicated Morton and Frederick were driving a Dodge Challenger and a Toyota Camry, respectively, when they met and allegedly attempted to outpace each other.

The affidavit states that Descheene was crossing at a crosswalk around 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2025, when the Challenger, reportedly driven by Morton, struck him. Frederick saw the collision and informed police "that it could have been [her]." When questioned about any conversation with Morton about racing, Frederick denied it.

Upon police questioning after the incident, Morton provided a conflicting account. He reportedly mentioned that he and Frederick engaged in "tit for tat" driving, accelerating and overtaking one another. 

The affidavit notes Morton altered his narrative regarding when the race began and ended. Initially, he stated they commenced racing near an intersection a few blocks from the crash location, while later claiming that was where racing ceased.

Evidence showed that Morton and Frederick were both exceeding speed limits before the accident. 

Frederick was allegedly traveling approximately 22 mph over the speed limit just prior to the crash, while Morton reportedly drove at 67 mph when he struck Descheene.

Police reported Morton's admission to smoking "two hits of marijuana 'leaf'" about four hours prior to driving. 

The affidavit mentioned his field sobriety test was "inadequate." A blood test showed THC levels precisely at the limit for "permissible inference" of impairment.

Although Frederick was not directly involved in the crash, the affidavit states her speed was deemed as "reckless."

Both Morton and Frederick have been released on bond from the Mesa County Detention Center. 

Morton's court appearance is set for April 8; Frederick's is scheduled for April 24.