SMITHFIELD – Following a week of evidence in Johnston County Superior Court, Jacob Eduardo Miner of Middlesex entered a plea of guilty to second degree murder, driving while impaired, and driving while his license were revoked from a previous impaired driving revocation. The charges against Miner stemmed from a fatal traffic collision, June 4, 2021, that resulted in the death of 28 year-old Dillon Chance Keesling of Zebulon.
On that date, Miner crashed his Saturn Vue SUV into the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle being operated by Mr. Keesling on NC Highway 39 at Richardson Road, in northern Johnston County. Keesling died as a result of his injuries.
An investigation by State Trooper Corey Wilson revealed that Miner was impaired. A blood test taken two hours after the crash showed the defendant’s blood alcohol level was 0.08 It also revealed the presence of suspected cocaine.
Miner had been previously convicted of driving while impaired in Craven County in 2015 and again in Wake County in 2020. His license was suspended at the time of the fatal collision.
On Monday, October 30, before the State called its final witness, Miner indicated that he wished to change his plea to guilty to all charges.
After listening to victim impact testimony from several of Mr. Keesling’s loved ones, Superior Court Judge Imelda J. Pate sentenced Jacob Miner to a minimum term of 149 months and a maximum term of 191 months in prison.
The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Keith Gordon and Skye Robertson. ADA Gordon said he was pleased with the outcome. “We are grateful for the jury’s patience and willingness to serve in this case which ultimately led to this favorable outcome for Dillon’s family and friends. We wish to recognize the outstanding investigation conducted by the State Highway Patrol including lead investigator Corey Wilson and collision reconstruction specialist Dwight Braswell. We also thank Sergeant Daniel Evans of the Clayton Police Department and Paul Glover who testified as expert witnesses. There are many others in law enforcement whose professionalism and hard work helped to deliver justice to Dillon’s family, and we are very grateful.”
Gordon continued, “Impaired driving is a senseless crime, and the loss of Dillon deeply impacted many people. Our deepest condolences go out to Dillon’s family members. We hope this verdict helps them find some solace. The Johnston County District Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute impaired driving cases and vehicular homicide cases.”
I can’t believe they let him plea down. Disgusting!
Just how did he pled down when he changed his plea to guilty to all charges? By the way you always find fault with judges when magistrates usually set initial bonds. Educate yourself and elevate the discussions you take part in.