Man convicted of killing construction workers sentenced to 10 years
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The man convicted of killing two construction workers when he crashed his truck into a construction zone was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Indiana State police say Jordan Stafford crashed his pickup into an arrow board between 82nd and 96th Streets, in May, 2014.
Still standing near the crash site are two memorials for the two men killed: Reith-Riley Construction workers Coty DeMoss, from Noblesville and Kenneth Duerson Jr. from Indianapolis. Police said they were at the end of their shifts when the crash happened.
“Justice was obtained for the families of Kenneth Duerson and Coty DeMoss solely as a result of the perseverance of IMPD investigators and our deputy prosecutors,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry stated. “The crash investigation was lengthy and complicated due to the nature of the crash.”
Trooper Nick Klingkammer said drivers need to be extra careful whenever you see a construction zone.
“If they’re approaching a construction zone there will be posted speed limit signs prior to approaching that zone to warn the driver that the speed is being reduced and once they get into that construction zone there will be posted speed limits all the way through that zone,” said Klingkammer. “Look out for the highway workers especially during night time because it may be going on at night time. We have night time construction going on up in Hamilton County, especially right now so it is a 24-hour construction zone.”
There is a Move Over Law in Indiana. Anytime you see lights flashing, that means emergency vehicles, tow trucks and construction zones, you need to move over in the next lane if possible. If there are other cars, slow to 10 miles per hour under the posted speed limit.
If you don’t, you could face points on your driving record as well as a hefty fine.
A grand jury issued an indictment in November 2015 following the lengthy investigation. After a three day jury trial, a verdict was reached on July 13.
“It was the judge’s decision, justice was done today,” said Dennis DeMoss, the father of Coty DeMoss.
