A Claremore resident, Jerry Dean Luton, III, received a prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter and assault in a Tulsa, Oklahoma court. U.S. District Judge John D. Russell imposed an 84-month term followed by three years of supervised release. The case involved the tragic incident in August 2023 where Luton, reportedly impaired, collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of Timothy Austin and injuring his wife. The records indicated that Luton lacked a valid driving license and was under the influence at the time of the accident.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced the sentencing. Luton, a member of the Cherokee Nation, has been granted the opportunity to voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, as he was allowed to remain on bond. The investigation was jointly conducted by the FBI and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Cyran leading the prosecution.