December trial set for driver in fatal accident

By KEITH KINNAIRD

HNN

SANDPOINT — A Clark Fork man accused of causing a deadly crash involving motorcyclist Daniel Krmpotich on Highway 200 last month is scheduled to be tried in December.

Oly Lee Morris has entered a written plea of not guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, setting the stage for a Dec. 21 trial in the magistrate division of 1st District Court.

Krmpotich, 52, from Bonners Ferry, died following the Sept. 27 collision in Clark Fork.

Morris, 20, told Idaho State Police he was driving westbound on the highway and attempted to make a left turn into the driveway of a business, according to an Idaho State Police trooper's affidavit.

Morris reportedly said he swerved back toward the westbound lane because of an oncoming eastbound motorcyclist and braked his vehicle to stop.

Morris told state police Krmpotich laid the motorcycle on its side and slid into the front of his car, the affidavit indicates. Krmpotich died of his injuries en route to the hospital, according to court records.

Trooper Mike Johnson said in his statement to the court that evidence at the scene, along with statements made by Morris and his passenger, indicated Morris crossed the highway's center line but his stopped vehicle intruded into the eastbound lane, where the collision occurred.

Morris is free on $300 bail and the Featherston law firm has filed papers on his behalf which seek to nullify statements Morris allegedly made to Johnson after the collision. The defense maintains Morris was detained without first being advised of his constitutional rights.

A memorial fund for the Krmpotich children has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank.

Anyone interested in helping can make a donation to account number 8785500698.