Minnesota Motorist Who Killed a Pedestrian Sentenced to Probation

Anoka, MN (KROC-AM News) - Despite objections from prosecutors, a judge in Anoka County today granted a downward departure from state sentencing guidelines in the case of a Minneapolis man who was driving drunk when he struck two pedestrians last summer.

36-year-old Cody Jazdzewski was behind the wheel of a BMW convertible when he lost control and struck the pedestrians before crashing into a tree along Highway 65 in Columbia Heights on July 13, 2023. One of the victims, 58-year-old Carrie Rivero, was pronounced dead at the scene, while 63-year-old James Beller was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.

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According to the charges, a State Trooper on routine patrol was the first to arrive at the scene and found the wreckage of the car smashed up against a tree. The trooper described Jazdzewski as having bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong order of alcohol.

Court documents indicated he admitted he had been drinking before getting into his car. A preliminary breath test conducted at the crash scene put his blood-alcohol-concentration at more than .13.

Jazdzewski was charged with criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation. He earlier entered into a plea agreement and admitted to the criminal vehicular homicide charge in exchange for the dismissal of the other felony count.

The conviction carries a presumptive four-year prison sentence, but the judge cited his amenability for probation, his remorse, and his continued sobriety in granting Jazdzewski's request for a stayed prison sentence. He has been ordered to serve a one-year sentence in jail with work release privileges if he meets eligibility. He was also placed on probation for five years.

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