SEATTLE — A Seattle man who pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and driving under the influence for causing a crash that killed one person on the Ship Canal Bridge in 2022 was sentenced Friday.
The crash took the life of 22-year-old Jordan Shelley, a certified EMT who dreamed of becoming a doctor and who was known for his bright spirit and caring nature.
Justin Kuo was sentenced to nine months, including three months in jail and six months of community custody. He will also face 364 days of electronic home monitoring. Shelley's mother spoke on behalf of the family and asked for a lower than normal sentence, citing faith and forgiveness. The judge said he was hesitant at first, but after hearing her remarks and Kuo's message taking responsibility and showing remorse, he agreed.
"Our family forgives Justin, not because we have to, because we want to, as we stand before our creator, God the father, God the son, God the Holy Spirit, our only comforter," Teresa Shelley said in court. "I pray and hope on behalf of my family and my husband that this does not define you, Justin, or any of us, we all make mistakes, myself included."
The crash happened around 4:30 a.m. on May 23, 2022. Court documents say Shelley was on his way to work as an EMT when he had car trouble on the Ship Canal Bridge. He got out and was calling for help when Kuo drove by. His vehicle hit Shelley's and Shelley was launched over the guard railing, falling 180 feet into Lake Union.
Kuo told a Washington State Patrol trooper that the car in front of him moved to the left suddenly. He said he looked down to adjust the radio and crashed into Shelley’s vehicle, according to court documents. He told police he had some alcohol in his system. Prosecutors later said his blood alcohol level may have been just under the legal limit, but he ultimately pled guilty to DUI along with vehicular homicide.
In court, Kuo apologized to Shelley's family, took responsibility and cautioned all drivers not to drive after drinking, even if they think they are not impaired.