Motorcyclist involved in fatal crash sent to prison

Motorcyclist involved in fatal crash sent to prison

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WEST JORDAN — A Midvale man who prosecutors say was excessively speeding when he crashed his motorcycle, killing his passenger, has been sentenced to prison.

Luis Enrique Tovar, 33, was sentenced Monday in 3rd District Court to up to five years at the Utah State Prison for manslaughter, a third-degree felony. The court ordered that Tovar receive credit for 24 days spent in the Salt Lake County Jail. However, it will be up to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole to decide whether to credit him for the 332 days he was ordered to wear an ankle monitor during his release pending trial.

Just after midnight on Aug. 10, 2013, Tovar was driving a bullet bike-style 2007 Yamaha south on 3200 West near 10950 South, with a 29-year-old woman riding on the motorcycle behind him. The speed limit on the road was 35 mph. Investigators say Tovar was traveling faster than 55 mph.

After failing to make a turn, the motorcycle hit a curb and drove off the opposite side of the road, throwing the man and the woman off the bike. Neither was wearing a helmet. Tovar did not have a "motorcycle endorsement" on his license, according to charging documents.

Tara Nicole Sheppick was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Tovar was also taken to the hospital with several injuries, including a broken leg.

He was charged in 2014 with manslaughter, speeding, passing in a no passing zone, and driving without a valid license. A plea deal was reached on March 6, right before a jury trial was scheduled to begin.

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Pat Reavy

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