Topline: A forensic search of the phone allegedly showed that Zoerb had been exchanging messages with someone on Snapchat for several minutes before the crash.
Published: December 12, 2024 11:53 am ET
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A 22-year-old semitruck driver in Nebraska has been arrested for allegedly causing a fatal car crash while texting on his phone, resulting in the deaths of a mother and child.
According to a news release, Justin Zoerb was taken into custody on Sunday and faces two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving following the deaths of 30-year-old Nicole Pavelka and her eight-year-old son, Ryker Schlichtman.
The collision occurred on August 9, 2023, according to the Nebraska Sheriff’s Office.
Zoerb’s arrest came after an investigation carried out by the sheriff’s office in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by KSNB indicated that Zoerb, hauling animal feed in a westbound semi, was driving on Highway 6 when several vehicles ahead of him stopped to allow a car to turn onto Road A. Zoerb allegedly failed to reduce his speed, swerved into the eastbound lane, and lost control of his truck. This led to a head-on collision with a Buick Enclave, driven by Pavelka, with Schlichtman as one of her passengers.
Three other children were also in the vehicle and were hospitalized with serious injuries but survived.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they took Zoerb into custody on unrelated warrants. They also seized his cellphone, and a forensic examination revealed that Zoerb had been texting on Snapchat for several minutes before the crash. The final message from his phone was sent at 4:07 p.m., just one minute before the first 911 call.
Zoerb was released from the Custer County Jail after posting bond the same day he was arrested.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Police: Semitruck Driver Was Using Snapchat Before Deadly Crash with Mother and Son
A forensic search of the phone allegedly showed that Zoerb had been exchanging messages with someone on Snapchat for several minutes before the crash.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 12, 2024 11:53 am ET
A 22-year-old semitruck driver in Nebraska has been arrested for allegedly causing a fatal car crash while texting on his phone, resulting in the deaths of a mother and child.
According to a news release, Justin Zoerb was taken into custody on Sunday and faces two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving following the deaths of 30-year-old Nicole Pavelka and her eight-year-old son, Ryker Schlichtman.
The collision occurred on August 9, 2023, according to the Nebraska Sheriff’s Office.
Zoerb’s arrest came after an investigation carried out by the sheriff’s office in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by KSNB indicated that Zoerb, hauling animal feed in a westbound semi, was driving on Highway 6 when several vehicles ahead of him stopped to allow a car to turn onto Road A. Zoerb allegedly failed to reduce his speed, swerved into the eastbound lane, and lost control of his truck. This led to a head-on collision with a Buick Enclave, driven by Pavelka, with Schlichtman as one of her passengers.
Three other children were also in the vehicle and were hospitalized with serious injuries but survived.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they took Zoerb into custody on unrelated warrants. They also seized his cellphone, and a forensic examination revealed that Zoerb had been texting on Snapchat for several minutes before the crash. The final message from his phone was sent at 4:07 p.m., just one minute before the first 911 call.
Zoerb was released from the Custer County Jail after posting bond the same day he was arrested.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Police: Semitruck Driver Was Using Snapchat Before Deadly Crash with Mother and Son
A forensic search of the phone allegedly showed that Zoerb had been exchanging messages with someone on Snapchat for several minutes before the crash.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 12, 2024 11:53 am ET
A 22-year-old semitruck driver in Nebraska has been arrested for allegedly causing a fatal car crash while texting on his phone, resulting in the deaths of a mother and child.
According to a news release, Justin Zoerb was taken into custody on Sunday and faces two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving following the deaths of 30-year-old Nicole Pavelka and her eight-year-old son, Ryker Schlichtman.
The collision occurred on August 9, 2023, according to the Nebraska Sheriff’s Office.
Zoerb’s arrest came after an investigation carried out by the sheriff’s office in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by KSNB indicated that Zoerb, hauling animal feed in a westbound semi, was driving on Highway 6 when several vehicles ahead of him stopped to allow a car to turn onto Road A. Zoerb allegedly failed to reduce his speed, swerved into the eastbound lane, and lost control of his truck. This led to a head-on collision with a Buick Enclave, driven by Pavelka, with Schlichtman as one of her passengers.
Three other children were also in the vehicle and were hospitalized with serious injuries but survived.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they took Zoerb into custody on unrelated warrants. They also seized his cellphone, and a forensic examination revealed that Zoerb had been texting on Snapchat for several minutes before the crash. The final message from his phone was sent at 4:07 p.m., just one minute before the first 911 call.
Zoerb was released from the Custer County Jail after posting bond the same day he was arrested.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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