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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Strine to testify in vehicular homicide trial

A Spokane stockbroker accused of paralyzing a motorcyclist and killing a woman during a drunken crash in 2009 is expected to testify today.

Jon A. Strine, 43, is to take the stand this morning, one of the final days of his vehicular assault and vehicular homicide jury trial.

A state test put Strine's blood-alcohol level at .20, but his lawyer, Carl Oreskovich, said the test is unreliable and has presented testimony from experts who say Strine's alcohol consumption prior to the crash would have kept him within the legal limit for driving.

Jurors watched surveillance video from Fast Eddie's bar downtown, where Strine went with a waitress from Press bar on South Grand after the woman said she'd applied for a job there, and Strine offered to introduce her to the owner.

They drank alcohol and left in Strine's 2002 silver Mercedes. Minutes later, Strine made a last-second lane change, then smashed into the Gary and Lorrie Keller.

Oreskovich has said Strine made a simple driving error, not a criminal act, and should be found not guilty. Strine has already settled a lawsuit from Keller out of court.

Past coverage:

Jan. 26: Sleepy juror removed from Strine trial

Jan. 21: Husband recounts fatal crash

June 25, 2009: Driver sued over deadly wreck

June 4, 2009: School district on crash victim: 'Everybody just loved her'



Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.