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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.

     “The question before the court is should he be sentenced to incarceration or a supervised sentence because of his injuries,” he said. “His injuries is the consequence, prison is the sentence. He did it with a passenger and he needs to face the consequences for that.”

     Defense attorney Robert Kardatzke called it a horrible tragedy for everybody involved. “Nothing the court can do is worse than what he’s already received,” he said. “He is a quadriplegic and needs 24 hour care. I don’t think the court can do anything to further deter him.”

     Buck said he loved Johnson and said he goes “through hell every day.”

     Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman said he didn’t doubt that Buck wishes that he could go back, that he didn’t intend to hurt anyone and that it could all be undone. “But when I look at you driving your vehicle at that speed and at that location, I don’t know what you expected to happen,” the judge said.

     “You were reckless to the point that it happened,” he added. “… It looks like because of your temper, she’s deceased and you have a lifetime disability. It’s a lesson learned the hard way. I’m left to deal with the aftermath. No matter what happens neither you or her family will ever feel vindicated. There’s really nothing I can do that makes anyone feel better.”