GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Two arrests have been made in connection with a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash that took place in December of last year.

On the evening of Dec. 11, 2025, Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) officers responded to a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the crosswalk at the intersection of North Seventh Street and Paterson Road. The pedestrian, later identified as 63-year-old Gary Descheene, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Mesa County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy determined that Descheene died from injuries received in the crash.

On Wednesday, the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) arrested Jacob Morton, 21, and Kari Frederick, 54, after an investigation determined that the two drivers were racing on Patterson Road when the crash occurred.

Both were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility without incident and are facing charges of engaging in a speed contest and reckless driving.

Morton also faces the following additional charges:

Vehicular Homicide (DUID)

Vehicular Homicide (Reckless Driving)

“The Grand Junction Police Department recognizes that events like this have a profound impact on our community,” stated the GJPD in a press release. “We urge all road users, including drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, to obey traffic laws and remain vigilant to help prevent tragedies on our roads.”

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