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Minneapolis (KROC AM News) - The man who was behind the wheel of a speeding car that crashed and killed the son of Gophers men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko last year has pleaded guilty.

Hennepin County jail
Hennepin County jail
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Prosecutors say 52-year-old James Blue of Orono had been drinking at a party at his house when he jumped into his car with 20-year-old Mack Motzko and 24-year-old Sam Schuneman and took off at speeds of nearly 100 mph before he crashed. Both passengers were fatally injured in the July 24th wreck.

According to the criminal complaint, Blue was found about 10 feet in front of the crashed vehicle. The complaint says Blue “was injured but conscious and repeatedly stated to responding officers, “I’m sorry”  and  "admitted to having consumed alcohol and being guilty of this offense. ”

The complaint says a sample taken at the hospital showed Blue had a blood alcohol concentration of .175. Officers were told Blue “was taking shots of liquor and had consumed THC gummies” while at a party at his house before the deadly crash. He was charged with 2 counts of 3rd-degree murder and four counts of criminal vehicular operation.

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James Blue complaint/Hennepin County Attorney
James Blue complaint/Hennepin County Attorney
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Under a plea agreement, Blue pleaded guilty Tuesday to 2 counts of criminal vehicular homicide. His plea included a claim that he was “so drunk or so under the influence of drugs or medicine” that he did not know what was doing at certain times of the crime period.” But Blue agreed with the allegations contained in the complaint. The agreement calls for a prison sentence of 90 months.  

 

 Blue's plea agreement included this information:

James Blue plea agreement/Hennepin County Attorney
James Blue plea agreement/Hennepin County Attorney
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Blue is scheduled for sentencing on May 5th.

Coach Motzko and his team flew to Boston Tuesday to get ready for Thursday night’s Frozen Four game against Minnesota State-Mankato.

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