Matheson Pleads GUILTY to Eagle Mountain Road Rage Deaths

On June 4, 2023, a devastating car accident in Eagle Mountain, Utah, claimed the lives of two individuals. Over a year later, Peterson Drew Matheson, the man responsible for the tragedy, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter. This plea deal, reached on November 19, 2024, dismissed several other charges, focusing on accountability for the most serious offenses. As the community awaits Matheson’s sentencing on January 6, 2025, the case underscores the irreversible consequences of reckless driving and the complexities of Utah’s legal system

Case Overview
Peterson Drew Matheson was arrested on June 7, 2023, just days after the fatal crash. Initially facing multiple charges, including reckless driving and vehicular negligence, Matheson entered a not-guilty plea. However, during pretrial negotiations, a plea deal was reached, resulting in the dismissal of all charges except for two counts of manslaughter.

Original Charges:

• Two counts of Manslaughter (second-degree felonies).
• Two counts of Negligently Operating a Vehicle Resulting in Death (second-degree felonies).
• Reckless Driving (Class B misdemeanor).
• Following Another Vehicle Closer Than Prudent or Safe (infraction).
• Failure to Stay in One Lane (infraction).

Plea Deal:

• Matheson pleaded guilty to two counts of Manslaughter, each carrying a potential sentence of 1-15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• The prosecution agreed to recommend concurrent sentences, meaning Matheson would serve both sentences simultaneously.
• The agreement explicitly states that the judge is not bound by this recommendation and may impose consecutive sentences, requiring Matheson to serve each sentence back-to-back.

Awaiting Sentencing:

Matheson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2025. This hearing will be a pivotal moment in the case, where the judge will consider various factors, including the nature of the offenses, victim impact statements, the plea agreement, and arguments from both the prosecution and defense, before handing down a sentence.

Understanding Plea Deals in Utah

In Utah, many criminal cases are resolved through plea deals, also known as plea bargains. This process allows defendants and prosecutors to agree on a resolution without the time and expense of a trial. Here’s a simple breakdown of how plea deals work in Utah.

1. What is a Plea Deal?

A plea deal is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor. In exchange for the defendant pleading guilty or no contest to certain charges, the prosecutor may agree to:

• Reduce the charges (e.g., from a felony to a misdemeanor).
• Drop some charges entirely.
• Recommend a lighter sentence to the judge.

2. How the Process Works

• Negotiation: The defense attorney and prosecutor negotiate the terms of the plea. Each side evaluates the strength of the evidence and the potential risks of going to trial.
• Defendant’s Choice: The defendant decides whether to accept the deal after their attorney explains its pros and cons. Accepting a plea deal means giving up the right to a trial.

3. The Plea Hearing

If the defendant agrees to the deal, they attend a plea hearing before a judge. During this hearing:

• The judge ensures the defendant understands the deal and is entering the plea voluntarily.
• The defendant states their plea (guilty or no contest).
• The judge confirms there’s enough evidence to support the charges.

4. Judge’s Role

The judge reviews the plea deal. While judges often approve these agreements, they have the authority to reject them if they believe the deal is unfair or not in the public’s best interest.

5. Sentencing

If the judge accepts the plea, sentencing may occur immediately or at a later date. The sentence usually aligns with the terms of the plea deal, but the judge has the final say.

Why Consider a Plea Deal?

Plea deals can save time and reduce uncertainty for both sides. For defendants, they often result in less severe penalties than if the case goes to trial and ends in conviction.

However, plea deals aren’t right for everyone. Defendants should work closely with their attorney to decide whether accepting a plea is the best choice for their specific situation.

Plea bargains are a common part of Utah’s criminal justice system, offering a way to resolve cases efficiently while balancing the interests of justice. Understanding the process can help you make informed decisions if you or someone you know faces criminal charges.

The case has garnered significant attention, as it highlights the tragic consequences of reckless driving and the complexities of the legal process. The upcoming sentencing hearing is anticipated to bring a sense of closure to the families impacted by this devastating accident.

Supporting Documentation

The plea deal is formalized in the “Statement of Defendant in Support of Guilty Plea and Certificate of Counsel,” signed by Matheson and his attorney, Edward Brass. This document confirms Matheson’s understanding of the charges, his legal rights, the consequences of his guilty plea, and the terms of the plea agreement. It also affirms that the decision was made voluntarily, without coercion or improper inducement.

This document from the Fourth Judicial District – Provo District Court details the legal proceedings of the case against Peterson Drew Matheson for a June 4, 2023, accident in Eagle Mountain, Utah. The document chronicles the charges, hearings, motions, and plea deal, culminating in Matheson’s guilty plea to two counts of manslaughter and the dismissal of all other charges.

Photo: Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash