Juvenile court likely will deal with charges against an Austin teen-ager who drove a car involved in a fatal automobile accident a year ago.

Thursday, January 18, 2001

Juvenile court likely will deal with charges against an Austin teen-ager who drove a car involved in a fatal automobile accident a year ago.

The state Court of Appeals this week reversed a June ruling by Mower County District Court in a case against Sandra Salinas, who was 17 when the accident occurred. The lower court had sought to try Salinas as an adult.

Jill Bos, 16, of Austin, died when the car crashed into a utility pole on Fourth Street SE in Austin. The teens were driving at a speed of up to 70 mph in a 30-mph zone, according to investigators, in an effort to send the car flying over the Roosevelt Bridge.

When Salinas saw a bicyclist ahead of her on the city street, she swerved, according to police, and slid in to the utility pole.

In addition to Bos’ death, Salinas and another passenger, Taylor Wytaske, then 13, both were injured.

Salinas was charged with criminal vehicular homicide as well as criminal vehicular operation resulting in bodily harm.

"We are very happy with the decision on this case, and feel that justice was served on this issue," Salinas’ attorney, Brandon Lawhead, said.

The appellate court stated in its decision that the District Court abused its discretion for tossing juvenile offenders in adult court by placing too much weight on the seriousness of the charges.

The Court of Appeals sided with Salinas’ appeal, stating that justice would be served if the teen remained in the juvenile justice system.

Under extended juvenile jurisdiction, Salinas could remain under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for a period of four years, according to the ruling.