UPDATE: The Preliminary hearing has been changed to September 28th, at 9:00
Preliminary in person hearing scheduled for August 1, 2023 for Peterson Drew Matheson the Eagle Mountain man that is accused of causing the accident that resulted in the death of two individuals following a road-rage incident. The court date was set after an initial appearance that was held on June 12, 2023 via Webex. The defendant’s attorney requested the defendant be released on home confinement with GPS monitoring and work release, which was denied after the victim impact statements were read.
On June 7th, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office announced that Peterson Drew Matheson, a 30-year-old individual, voluntarily surrendered himself and was subsequently booked for his involvement in a tragic incident on SR-73. The crash, which occurred on June 4th, claimed the lives of Rodney Michael Salm and Michaela Himmelberger. Matheson, who was driving a Ford F150 at the time of the incident, is now facing serious charges related to the incident. Specifically, he is being charged with two counts of second-degree felony manslaughter and a Class B reckless driving offense.
As the legal proceedings unfold, a pivotal moment approaches in the form of a preliminary hearing. This hearing serves as a crucial juncture in the case, where the court will evaluate the available evidence and determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial. In this particular Utah County manslaughter case, Peterson Drew Matheson’s decision to turn himself in has brought the matter to the forefront of public attention. The upcoming preliminary hearing will play a significant role in assessing the strength of the prosecution’s case against Matheson and underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences awaiting Matheson.
With the tragic loss of Rodney Michael Salm and Michaela Himmelberger as the backdrop, the preliminary hearing carries immense weight. It offers an opportunity for the defense to present arguments and evidence challenging the charges brought against Matheson. The court, presided over by Judge Robert Lund, will carefully scrutinize the proceedings and evaluate the viability of the charges. As the community awaits the upcoming preliminary hearing, the tragic circumstances surrounding the crash serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of reckless driving.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.