LOGAN — A man accused of text messaging while driving and killing two people in a crash has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.
Reggie Shaw, 22, pleaded guilty to a pair of class A misdemeanor charges of negligent homicide during an appearance in 1st District Court on Monday. In exchange for the plea, charges will be dropped if he complies with the terms of his sentence, which could include jail time and community service.
Shaw was convicted in connection with the deaths of two men in 2006. He was accused of text-messaging while driving when his SUV sideswiped another, spinning it into oncoming traffic where it was hit by a truck. Both James A. Furfaro, 38, and Keith P. Odell, 50, were killed.
Cache County prosecutors have said they obtained cell phone records that showed Shaw was texting from the time he left his home until the time of the crash. The UHP claims that Shaw continued to text message while being questioned about the crash.
O'Dell's widow, Leila, told KSL radio she was glad for Shaw's conviction.
"Well, I'm glad we're this far. But until the sentencing is done and he's really fulfilled his obligations, I don't think it'll be over," she said.
Shaw is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 24.
— Ben Winslow