Pot cited as factor in fatal head-on
SILVERTON — An Amity woman faces charges in connection with a three-vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon northwest of Silverton, near the intersection of Howell Prairie and Nusom roads.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office identified her as Jessica Jean Macken, 36.
Macken was charged with one count each of second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving, in addition to three counts each of fourth-degree assault and recklessly endangering another person.
The most serious of the charges, second-degree manslaughter, is a Class B felony carrying a lengthy mandatory-minimum prison term under Measure 11.
Macken was lodged without bail in the Marion County Jail in Salem. She was scheduled for arraignment Monday afternoon.
Deputies, who said marijuana appeared to be a contributing factor, gave this account:
Macken was eastbound on Nusom Road NE in a 2002 Kia Sportage when she failed to negotiate a sweeping right-hand turn and crossed the centerline.
The Kia first collided head-on with a 1994 Geo Metro driven by Phillip Rivera, 52, of Salem, then with a 2001 Honda Civic driven by Marion Pacheco Jr., 24, also of Salem.
Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pacheco, Macken and her two children, ages 13 and 10, were transported by ambulance to Silverton Hospital. Their injuries were not life-threatening.
The Marion County Crash Team investigated the crash with assistance from the Oregon State Police.
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