Driver sentenced to 17.5 years for 112mph crash that killed mother, 3 children near Renton

Chase Jones, 19, has been sentenced to 17. 5 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault for a tragic crash in Renton, Washington, in March 2024. The incident claimed the lives of Andrea Hudson, 38, and three children: Boyd "Buster" Brown, Matilda Wilcoxson, and Eloise Wilcoxson. Investigators determined that Jones was driving at 112 mph when he ran a red light and crashed into Hudson's minivan, with witnesses describing erratic driving prior to the collision. Family members spoke at the hearing, expressing the profound emotional toll the crash has taken on their lives and suggesting that Jones should witness the victims' funerals as part of his punishment.

Judge Mark Larrañaga established the sentencing range based on Jones’ offender score of 10, which reflects the severity of his actions despite no prior traffic infractions. The case has highlighted concerns regarding reckless driving and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the area. Jones had previously been warned about his speed by police in a separate incident, raising questions about accountability for dangerous driving behavior. KOMO News reported that the sentencing hearing was live-streamed, further emphasizing the community's engagement with this tragic event.