A Benton County Grand Jury has indicted a 17-year-old girl on a charge of first-degree manslaughter in connection with a crash that killed a 20-year-old Oregon State University student and seriously injured another.
The indictment stems from a collision that happened the evening of October 17, 2025, along NW Harrison Boulevard in Corvallis.
According to court documents, the two students were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when the defendant allegedly drove through the area at a high rate of speed, striking both pedestrians. Investigators say another vehicle had stopped to allow the students to cross at the time of the crash.
One of the students later died from injuries sustained in the collision. The second victim suffered serious injuries.
Case Waived to Adult Court
The 17-year-old appeared for arraignment by video from the Linn-Benton Juvenile Detention Center. Although she is a minor, the case is being handled in adult court under a standing order that waives motor vehicle-related cases into the adult criminal system.
The defendant was conditionally released following arraignment. As part of her release conditions, she is prohibited from driving unless supervised by a family member who is at least 21 years old.
The investigation is being led by the Corvallis Police Department, with assistance from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. Benton County Deputy District Attorney Steaphan Clement is prosecuting the case.
In a statement, Clement expressed sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their family members. The Benton County District Attorney’s Office is committed to upholding the rights of crime victims throughout the criminal justice process. Additionally, we encourage all who are traveling through areas populated by students and other pedestrians to exercise appropriate caution to avoid tragedies such as this in the future.”
As with all criminal cases, the indictment does not imply guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The case remains ongoing.
