Inquest: Deputy not liable in motorcyclist's death

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Oct 16, 2009 at 7:19 AM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 16, 2009 at 7:19 AM MDT

HELENA - A jury has determined that the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's office was not criminally liable in the death of a motorcyclist who crashed in Helena as he was being followed by a deputy.

Sgt. Jason Grimmis testified at a coroner's inquest that he saw 34-year-old Jeremy Morgan of Helena speeding about 30 mph over the limit in the early morning hours of April 22. The deputy said he accelerated to about 70 mph but could not catch up to Morgan, who he estimated was going about 90 mph.

About a minute later, Grimmis turned on his patrol car's lights and then his siren before he saw Morgan lose control of his bike and crash. Morgan, who had a blood-alcohol content three times the legal limit and had methamphetamine in his system, died about 2 1/2 hours later at a hospital.

Coroner Mickey Nelson says a coroner's inquest must be held any time a law enforcement officer is involved in a death.

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