Ke-Shawn Gene Buck
CASSOPOLIS — A Jones resident who drove recklessly causing the death of his passenger was sentenced to prison Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.
Ke-Shawn Gene Buck, 27, of Jones, pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death and was sentenced to two to 15 years in prison with credit for one day served and $2,758 in fines and costs.
The incident occurred Aug. 8, 2023 when Buck was speeding on Born Street in Newberg Township, passing a truck and going through a stop sign at 96 miles per hour before losing control of his car and crashing. His passenger, Kierstin Johnson, was killed and he received major injuries leaving him a quadriplegic.
Johnson’s mother spoke before the sentencing, saying that the accident had destroyed her family. “It’s been horrific, we will never be the same,” she said. “I just want to see him pay for the consequences of his actions. You don’t get to recklessly take a life and for what?”
Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning said that while some would say Buck has already suffered enough with his injuries, his response is that people have to take responsibility for their actions.