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GARDNER
Maricela Escamilla
Maricela Escamilla
Professor Watson
CJ 1010
11/11/2018
Tragedy, struck on June 30th 2016 when two young adults Mr. Tyler Christianson, 19,
and Ms. Madison Haan, 20 lost their lives in a vehicle collision. The driver Ms. Marilee Gardner,
16 years of age and 3 months, driving a white SUV at the time was behind the wheel of the other
vehicle that struck the two young adults, driving a Hyundai sedan. Police officials estimated the
SUV was going 98mph per hour in a 48mph zone at the time when they were rear-ended.
However, it was far from over, Ms. Gardner continued driving going through back yards, hitting
fences along the way and eventually hitting a parked car on a private property, leaving the scene
behind as well the injured young adults. Ms. Gardner attempted to flee on foot but was later
retained an hour and half later. (2) Unfortunately, Ms. Madison Haan had passed away at the
scene of the collision, and Mr. Tyler Christianson passed away later due to his injuries at the
Mckay-Dee Hospital. (4). Marilee was detained at the juvenile detention facility and held for
suspicion of two counts of murders of Ms. Maddison Haan, and Mr. Tyler Christianson. (2) Also,
charged for failing to stop at the command of an officer, and failure to remain at the scene of an
accident. (4)
Prior to the accident, a Clinton, Utah police officer attempted to pull Ms. Gardner for a
traffic stop but Ms. Gardner fled before she was able to be pulled over then colliding with the
two young adults costing them their lives. (2) According to arrest documents, Ms. Gardner
confessed that she had stolen the SUV from her parents to complete a suicide pact with her
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friend. Their goal was to purchase and consume drugs then crash while both were in the car.
However, the friend decided to not go through with the plan and did not meet. Then she admitted
to intentionally crash into the vehicle of that both Mr. Tyler and Ms. Madison were in, in order to
During Ms. Gardner’s first initial appearance to the assigned Judge Brent West on July
06, 2016, records states that Ms. Gardner was silent and frighten as the charges against her were
given and description of the potential sentence of each charge. Which were two counts of murder
that are 15 years to life, and two third-degree felonies of failure to remain at the scene of an
accident and failing to stop at the command of an officer. (4)(5). Ms. Gardner’s prior history was
brought to the court’s attention of her multiple run away counts from her home, history of
suicidal mental state, and her most recent hospitalization. Prosecutors at this point, may file
murder charges against Ms. Gardner to be tried as an adult under the Utah Title 78A, Chapter 6,
Part 7 section 701. (5). It was then decided that Ms. Gardner would remain at the juvenile facility
The Utah State Legislature Index Utah Code, Title 78A, Chapter 6, Part 7 Section 701,
states all the rights a minor has under the jurisdiction in the juvenile court. What will be
considered in the trials such as age, prior history, criminal acts, nature of alleged offense, and
facility that will meet the needs of the minor while still protecting the public’s safety and more.
(5). However, in the Index Utah Code, Title 78 A, Chapter 6, Part 7, Section 2, states that it may
charge a minor of 16 year or older with a felony if they were the principal actor in the offense
such as attempted murder or attempted aggravated murder.(6) Both which are a minimum of 15
years to life. However, the difference is if they are eligible for parole or not.
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Ms. Gardner’s attorney on September 8th, 2016 attempted to motion to have Ms. Gardner
case to be trialed in the juvenile court system, but District Brent West did not hesitate to deny the
motion. The judge states the that Utah Legislature adequately assesses youth brains,
tried in adult courts. If 15 years or younger were charged with murder they must be held in the
juvenile court. Ms. Gardner’s attorney stated it was unconstitutional but the Judge believes
otherwise. They will be deciding to seek an interlocutory appeal, the attorney also brought
examples from other youth cases that were overturned by the Supreme Court in order to
influence the judge into seeing that juveniles have a less understanding of their consequences,
reckless, and less mature than adults. Also, brought to the point that if Ms. Gardner committed
the crime at the age of 15 and 11 months, she would not to fight to be tried under the juvenile
court system but since had 16 year and 3 months must fight for her right. The judge replied that
laws are arbitrary, and used the example for legal age of drinking and smoking that even if it the
day before their birthday they are not legally able to do it until they turn of age. The chief deputy
Branden Miles stated that Gardner’s case must be kept under the adult courts, or they would
receive some of the shortest sentences in the youth system for the most serious crimes
committed. (9)
Ms. Gardner once again appears in court with the exception that she now has an option of
a plea deal that her attorney and prosecutors came into agreement with on November 15,2017.
The plea deal consisted of the dismissal of the two counts of murder and in exchange for two
counts of attempted murder, both still first-degree murder. Nonetheless allowing Ms. Gardner to
stay in the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and receiving the services and care she needs. She
will be pleading guilty in only one count of attempted murder in the juvenile court, maintaining
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in a juvenile secure care facility just before her 21st birthday. Then transferred back to the adult
system to plead guilty, where she will could possibly face three to up to life in prison. A review
The families of Maddison Haan and Tyler Christianson have been present in all trials and
hearings making sure they have justice for their now passed loved ones. Both families have
stated they have had difficulty accepting that Ms. Gardner had the opportunity to a plea deal for
attempted murder instead of murder, but supports the resolution that was given. (7)
Back Story:
I decided to do this story because I worked at the hospital that Ms. Gardner was placed
when she was receiving suicidal treatment. Apart from knowing her I did find this case
interesting because she was a minor, but apparently not in the adult/juvenile jurisdiction court. (I
learned a lot). What made it most interesting is the plea deal that she was given where the counts
were dropped to a technically lower count (still first degree though) and were able to separate
them. As in one in the juvenile court and other adult court. However, it’s a tragedy anyway you
look at it.
,
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Works Cited
(1) Loved Ones Mourn After Young Adults Killed in Crash During Police Chase in Roy
https://fox13now.com/2016/06/30/loved-ones-mourn-after-young-adults-killed-in-crash-during
police-chase-in-roy/
(2) 16-year-old To Be Treated As Adult After Fatal Roy Crash, Faces Murder Charges
Sonja Carlson-Doug Gibson - https://www.standard.net/police-fire/year-old-to-be-treated-as-
adult-after-fatal-roy/article_19ea0d79-b833-501f-b9f8-d5cdc679508d.html
(3) 2 Killed in Roy Crash; Police Arrest Teen For Investigation Of Murder
https://www.ksl.com/?sid=40446724&nid=148
(4) Teen Charged with Double Murder in Crash Deaths 'very Frightened,' Attorney Says
McKenzie Romero - https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865657516/Teen-charged-with-
double-murder-in-crash-deaths-very-frightened-attorney-says.html
(8) Judge: Double Murder Case For 16-year-old Girl Will Remain in Adult Court
McKenzie Romero - https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865661943/Judge-Double-murder-
case-for-16-year-old-girl-will-remain-in-adult-court.html