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FRUITLAND, Idaho — The driver accused of intentionally striking a young couple as they walked down the street in Fruitland faces murder charges, according to Idaho State Police.
Jason Lee Verwer, who most recently lived in Fruitland, is charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of Matthew, 22, and Amelia Parkinson, 17, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported.
The Parkinsons were recently married and were walking together on the sidewalk when they were hit and killed.
Police claim Verwer, 37, was driving at a high rate of speed on northbound U.S. Highway 95 and intentionally drove onto the sidewalk and hit the couple on Jan. 24. Verwer was held for a mental health evaluation at an undisclosed location after his arrest, according to police.
The cause of death was declared as lethal traumatic blunt force trauma from being struck by the vehicle.
Schuller said he doesn’t think there is any connection between the couple and Verwer.
According to the Idaho courts repository, Verwer previously faced two counts of child sexual abuse, which were dismissed in Twin Falls County District Court in 2016.
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