Fatal crash driver charged with manslaughter

William M. Buchkoski, who turns 19 at the end of the month, was indicted by a Juneau grand jury on felony charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault in connection with the March 26 incident.

A Honda CRV driven by Buchkoski was traveling southbound on Yandukin Drive when he attempted to turn left on to Old Dairy Road and allegedly did not stop for an oncoming semi-truck that had the right-of-way. Both roads are in the airport area.

Honda passenger Jessica Louise Billy, 18, was declared deceased at the scene. Another passenger sustained critical injuries and was transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital. At the time, he was identified only as a 20-year old man.

The accident closed Yandukin Drive to traffic for three hours as investigators examined the scene and cleared the wreckage.

The indictment handed up by the grand jury identifies him only by his initials S-R. Both assault charges are for allegedly causing injuries to S-R.

No injuries were reported sustained by Buchkoski or the 45-year-old driver of the truck.

Buchkoski is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Juneau Superior Court on Dec. 17.

The case against Buchkoski was among several recently considered by a Juneau grand jury and the bill of indictment was among several released on Nov. 14, 2014. But the true bill in Buchkoski’s case was dated — perhaps erroneously — on Aug. 14, 2014.

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