Matheson Receives Sentence for Guilty Plea in June 2023 Road Rage Deaths

PROVO, UTAH – Peterson Drew Matheson was sentenced on January 6, 2025, in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Judge Kasey L. Wright presiding, following a guilty plea to manslaughter charges stemming from a fatal collision on June 4, 20231…. The incident, which occurred on Cory B. Wride Memorial Highway in Eagle Mountain, Utah, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Mr. Salm and Ms. Himmelberger, after Matheson’s Ford F-150 crossed the center line and collided with their Porsche 911

The Incident

According to reports from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Team (CAR Team), the crash occurred at approximately 12:31 pm, amidst clear weather conditions. Prior to the collision, Matheson and the driver of a Nissan Maxima were reportedly involved in a road rage incident. Evidence and witness statements suggest that Matheson was driving at speeds exceeding the posted limit and made unsafe lane changes in close proximity to the Nissan Maxima. The report indicates that Matheson drove on the shoulder of the road in an attempt to pass the Nissan, and contact occurred between the vehicles. Matheson then lost control, overcorrected, and swerved into oncoming traffic, resulting in the head-on collision with the Porsche.

The crash reports describe the following details regarding the incident of June 4, 2023:

• Location and Time: The collision occurred on SR-73 in Eagle Mountain, Utah, at approximately 12:31 pm. The specific location was on SR-73 between mile markers 30 and 31, about 0.65 miles east of the intersection of SR-73 and Eagle Mountain Boulevard.
• Vehicles Involved: The crash involved a white 2016 Ford F-150 pickup truck (driven by Peterson Drew Matheson), a 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera, and a white 2014 Nissan Maxima. A fourth vehicle was damaged by debris.
• Weather Conditions: The weather was clear and approximately 74°F, with no recorded precipitation.
• Sequence of Events:
  • Matheson was driving the white truck eastbound on SR-73.
  • Matheson crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the Porsche head-on. The two occupants of the Porsche died at the scene.
  • Prior to the collision, Matheson and the driver of the Maxima were involved in a road rage incident.
  • A witness stated that after turning onto SR-73, the Maxima merged into the regular lane, preventing the white truck from passing on the left. The white truck then swerved onto the shoulder to pass the Maxima on the right.
  • Dash cam footage showed the white truck off the roadway on the shoulder, attempting to pass the Maxima on the right.
  • The Maxima and the white truck bumped into each other at least twice. The driver of the white truck appeared to lose control and overcorrected, swerving into oncoming traffic and hitting the Porsche.
• Road Rage Incident:
  • The Maxima driver reported the white truck was tailgating. After the Maxima driver tapped the brakes, the white truck honked.
  • The Maxima driver stated that the white truck moved into the Maxima’s lane and struck the passenger side of the Maxima.
• Vehicle Damage: The front end of the Porsche was completely destroyed. Paint transfer and tire marks were observed on the passenger side of the Maxima and the driver’s side of the white truck.
• Truck Data: Approximately five seconds before the crash, the truck was traveling at 74.1 mph, and 54.1 mph at the moment the airbags deployed. The driver steered to the left at angles of 4 and 6.3 degrees, respectively, 2.8 and 2.7 seconds before the crash.
• Conclusions from the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Team: The crash and resulting deaths were attributable to Matheson’s decision to travel at speeds above the limit, make unsafe lane changes, and drive on the shoulder. Mr. Landen (driver of the Nissan) unsafely occupied a traffic lane higher than the safety of people and property around him.

Sentencing

Matheson was initially charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. However, as part of a plea agreement, he pled guilty to the charges, which were amended to third-degree felonies at the time of sentencing. On November 19, 2024, Matheson signed a statement in support of his guilty plea, acknowledging that his operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner resulted in a collision that caused the deaths of two individuals. At the sentencing hearing on January 6, 2025, Judge Wright granted the state’s request to reduce the charges to third-degree felonies. Matheson’s driver’s license was revoked, and he was ordered to pay restitution of $6120.

The following details about the sentencing of Peterson Drew Matheson are available from the court documents:

• Date and Location: The sentencing hearing occurred on January 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. Judge Kasey L. Wright presided.
• Amended Charges: At the sentencing hearing, the state’s request to reduce charges 1 and 2, both manslaughter charges, from second-degree felonies to third-degree felonies was granted.
• Plea Agreement: Matheson previously pled guilty on November 19, 2024, to two counts of second-degree felony manslaughter. As part of the plea agreement, the state agreed to reduce the two manslaughter counts to third-degree felonies at the time of sentencing in exchange for Matheson agreeing to be sentenced to prison.
• Sentencing: Matheson was sentenced to an indeterminate term of not to exceed five years in the Utah State Prison for each count of manslaughter. The charges were ordered to run consecutively.
• Additional Orders:
  • Matheson’s driver’s license was revoked, starting on January 6, 2025, and is to remain revoked until January 1, 3000.
  • A restitution hearing was scheduled for April 7, 2025.
  • Responsibility for collection of any remaining balance of criminal accounts receivable was transferred to the Office of State Debt Collection.
• Statements: During the hearing, statements were given by:
  • Victim’s sister
  • Victim Salm’s sister
  • Victim Salm’s dad
  • Defendant’s father
• Other Considerations: The court informed Matheson that the Board of Pardons and Parole would ultimately decide the length of the sentence. Matheson was advised of their right to appeal the sentence within 30 days and to have assistance of counsel if they chose.
• State’s Argument: The State requested that the court sentence Matheson to the appropriate prison sentence and run each count consecutively. The State argued that Matheson’s reckless driving, the loss of two lives, and Matheson’s driving history justified consecutive sentences. They referenced Matheson’s history of traffic violations, including a speeding conviction of 102 MPH in an 80 MPH zone just six months before the fatal crash.
• Defense’s Argument: Mr. Brass addressed the court on matters of sentencing.
• Red Barn Academy: A letter confirming Matheson’s acceptance into Red Barn Academy’s 27-month residential program was filed. The program aims to provide social, vocational, and life skills to break cycles of criminality, addiction, and incarceration.

Submitted Letters of Character Witness

Prior to sentencing, the court received numerous character letters attesting to Matheson’s good character, remorse, and commitment to rehabilitation. These letters came from a variety of sources, including family, friends, and community members. The letters consistently portrayed Matheson as a kind, caring, and helpful individual who is deeply affected by the tragedy.

Richard M., Matheson’s uncle, wrote, “Peter was and is so terribly sorry for what happened. He has been unwavering in his desire to take responsibility for his part in what happened”. Suzie M., Matheson’s mother, expressed her hope for mercy in the sentencing. Deputy G. of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, where Matheson was a trustee in the jail, noted, “Mr. Matheson displays the utmost respect towards me and staff, he is a diligent worker, always has a good attitude, gets along well with others, and is respected amongst other inmates as well as supervising staff”

• Number of Letters: At least 20 character letters were submitted.
• Date of Submission: Most of the letters were dated in December 2024, with the submission to the court occurring on January 3, 2025.
• Authors: The letters were written by a range of individuals including family members, friends, and community members. Some were sent via email.

General Themes and Information:

• Character and Reputation: The letters consistently portray Matheson as a kind, caring, and helpful individual. Many describe him as someone who is always willing to help others, often going out of his way to do so.
• Responsibility and Remorse: Many letters emphasize that Matheson has taken responsibility for his actions and expresses deep remorse for the tragic accident.
• Impact on Family: Several letters mention Matheson’s role as a loving father to his daughters, highlighting the impact his incarceration has had on them.
• Model Inmate: Several letters note that Matheson has been a model inmate, participating in classes, working as a trustee, and helping others within the jail.
• Call for Leniency: Almost all the letters request the judge to consider leniency in sentencing, citing Matheson’s character, remorse, and efforts toward rehabilitation. Some suggest the other driver involved should also be held accountable.

These letters collectively aim to provide a comprehensive picture of Peter Matheson as a person of good character who is deeply remorseful and committed to making amends.

Several letters also pointed out that another driver was involved in the events leading up to the accident and should also bear some responsibility. Skyler G. stated, “I personally believe that had the driver, of the Nissan not been there that day, there wouldn’t have been an accident”. Paul and Janalee M., Matheson’s brother and sister-in-law, expressed hope that the other involved driver would be recognized and accounted for.

Timeline

Here is a timeline of the case, according to the court documents:

• June 4, 2023: The date of the offenses, including two counts of manslaughter, which occurred in Eagle Mountain, Utah.
• June 7, 2023: Peterson Drew Matheson was arrested.
• June 12, 2023:
  • An information was filed.
  • Robert Lund was assigned as the judge.
  • Initial appearance occurred. Matheson was advised of the charges and penalties.
  • An order to hold without bail was filed.
• June 15, 2023: A waiver and detention hearing occurred. A motion to release the defendant on home confinement with GPS monitoring and work release was denied, and bail was denied.
• August 1, 2023: An in-person preliminary hearing was scheduled but later canceled.
• August 25, 2023: An in-person preliminary hearing was scheduled but later canceled.
• September 29, 2023: A preliminary hearing took place.
• October 27, 2023: Simultaneous briefing was to be submitted by counsel.
• November 1, 2023: A motion to allow funeral furlough was filed and subsequently denied.
• January 3, 2024: A ruling and order on bindover was filed.
• February 8, 2024: A WBX pretrial conference occurred, and Matheson entered a not guilty plea. A five-day jury trial was set, but later canceled.
• November 19, 2024: Matheson pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree felony manslaughter. Charges 3-7 were dismissed with prejudice.
• January 6, 2025:
  • Matheson’s sentencing hearing took place with Judge Kasey L. Wright presiding.
  • Counts 1 and 2 were amended to 3rd degree felonies.
  • Matheson was sentenced to prison.
  • A restitution hearing was scheduled for April 7, 2025.
• January 8, 2025: The order for the sentence, judgment, and prison commitment was filed.
• February 10, 2025: Matheson filed a motion to release property.
• February 13, 2025: The State of Utah Board of Pardons and Parole referred restitution to the Office of State Debt Collection.

In February 2025, Matheson filed a motion to release his property, specifically the truck involved in the collision. The State responded, agreeing to the release of the tools and contents of the truck but objecting to the release of the truck itself, as the other driver involved in the crash had recently been charged in a separate case, and the truck still held evidentiary value.

Bibliography

• Various Filings, Minute Entries, and Notices. This document contains a range of filings, minute entries, and notices associated with the case, offering a chronological view of court actions and events.
• Character References. This document includes letters from Peter Matheson’s uncle, family, and friends, providing character references.
• Recognition of Course Completion for Reentry Skills. This document shows that Peterson Matheson completed the requirements for the Reentry Skills Class on May 21, 2024.
• State’s Sentencing Memorandum.
• Minutes from SENTENCE, JUDGMENT, COMMITMENT PRISON Hearing. This document contains the official record of the sentencing hearing, including details of the charges, amendments, and the resulting sentence.
• MOTION TO RELEASE PROPERTY.
• State of Utah Board of Pardons and Parole Letter and the minutes from the SENTENCE, JUDGMENT, COMMITMENT PRISON hearing. This document includes a letter from the Board of Pardons and Parole regarding restitution and a copy of the Judgment and Commitment in the case.
• State’s Response to Defendant’s Motion to Release Property.
• Information about the charges against Peterson Drew Matheson and the probable cause statement.
• STATEMENT OF DEFENDANT IN SUPPORT OF GUILTY PLEA AND CERTIFICATE OF COUNSEL. This is a statement from Peterson Drew Matheson acknowledging that he is pleading guilty to manslaughter. Matheson states that on June 4, 2023, in Utah County, he was involved in a traffic altercation that resulted in a collision and the death of two people in another vehicle.
• Acceptance letter from Red Barn Academy. The content of this document is not described in the sources.
• NOTICE OF IN PERSON SENTENCING.
• Collision Analysis Report. This report analyzes the collision, providing details on the location, date, vehicles involved, and other factors. The collision occurred on June 4, 2023, involving Matheson driving a Ford F150 and Landen driving a Nissan Maxima. Interactions between the vehicles caused the F150 to cross the center lane and strike a Porsche 911, killing both adult occupants.
• Post-Crash Vehicle Conditions, Inspection, and Pre-Collision Actions. This document details the condition of the vehicles after the crash, the inspection results, and the pre-collision actions of the vehicles involved.
• SUBMISSION OF CHARACTER LETTERS.
• Character Letters. These letters, written by various individuals, offer insights into Peter Matheson’s character.
• Defendant Information, Case Notes, and Minute Entries. This document provides defendant details such as name, date of birth, and case number, as well as case notes and minute entries.