08/25/08

On June 18th last year, 19 year old Jayson Theodore Ashcroft was driving south on Highway 93 near the Interstate 85 interchange - when he lost control of his car.

The Idaho State Police say that Ashcroft and two of his passengers - Jace Bixler and Larry Larsen - both age 20 of Twin Falls - were ejected from the vehicle. Bixler and Larsen were pronounced dead at the scene.

Monday in court, Ashcroft was visibly moved as a result of his actions.

Prosecuting Attorney Mike Seib addressed the court and said, "I'm asking this court to impose a rider. I think it will be beneficial to him, if he so wants to go that route. And in that regard, it would be somewhat of a break for Mr. Ashcroft."

Defense attorney Lisa Barini-Garcia responded "I don't know how you punish somebody for killing their best friends. Or how you could punish him anymore than he punishes himself, or what sentence would make these families grieve less."

The Idaho State Police say that Ashcroft was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana at the time of the accident.

Jayson Ashcroft said in his own words, "It's very, very hard to wake up and deal with yourself everyday after losing two of your best friends in and accident that you caused. I want the families to know that I'm very sorry."

After hearing all sides, 5th District Court Judge John Butler gave his ruling, "The court, however, for penitentiary time will impose a unified sentence of 15 years. However, the court is willing to make that 8 years fixed, 7 years indeterminate not to exceed 15."

In the end, Judge Butler suspended Ashcroft’s sentence and ordered him to serve a six month court-ordered program called a Rider - before appearing again in court.