Minnesota man sentenced for deadly high-speed crash in 2023
- Hunter Buckentine, 24, pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in connection with a crash in Clear Lake, Minnesota.
- Investigators found that he had posted a Snapchat story showing his speed at 150 mph just before the accident.
- The court's decision to sentence Buckentine to nearly a decade in prison underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for reckless driving.
In August 2023, a tragic high-speed crash occurred in Clear Lake, Minnesota, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. Hunter Buckentine, a 24-year-old from Avon, was found guilty of both criminal vehicular homicide and operation in connection with the incident. Investigations revealed that prior to the crash, Buckentine posted a Snapchat photo boasting about reaching speeds of 150 mph, further indicating the recklessness of his actions. A reconstruction of the accident estimated his vehicle was traveling at 133 mph when it struck another vehicle from behind. This behavior not only endangered his passengers but also displayed a blatant disregard for the safety of others on the road. Buckentine was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison, a decision that reflects the seriousness of his actions and aims to provide some measure of justice to the affected families. County Attorney Kathleen Heaney emphasized the need for accountability in such reckless behaviors to prevent future tragedies.