Homicide Charges for Lakeville Drunk Driver

HASTINGS, Minn. - Charges of criminal vehicular homicide have been filed against a Lakeville man involved in a fatal drunk driving crash on Christmas Eve.

Jeffrey Arthur Martin, 37, was charged Dec. 28 with child endangerment and third-degree DWI for his involvement in the crash that killed 88-year-old Everett Letterly of Prior Lake. Letterly's wife, who was driving, was also injured in the crash.

The original charges were amended to include one felony count each of criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular injury.

According to the criminal compliant, Martin had a blood alcohol concentration of .17 and was driving with his three children, ages 10, 9 and 4, when he allegedly caused the crash at the intersection of Dodd Boulevard and Gerdine Avenue in Lakeville.

"This is another sad and tragic example of the significant danger associated with drinking and driving," Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said. "Drunk driving kills and cripples more people than any other crime in America. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the victim's family for their terrible loss."

Martin made his first appearance Monday afternoon in Dakota County on the new charges. His next court appearance is April 12. Judge Michael Mayer ordered Martin to submit to alco-senor monitoring in addition to the $18,000 bail he already posted.