23-04-2025
Man gets 40 years in prison for vehicular homicide
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Faron Mesteth, 29, was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for two counts of vehicular homicide stemming from a deadly crash that occurred on Christmas Day in 2021.
Mesteth, who was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time, was found guilty by a jury in January of causing the deaths of Jade Richard Fenhaus, 20, and Jamie Scott Sayler, 31.
Seventh Circuit Judge Matthew Brown sentenced him to 20 years on each count, to be served consecutively.
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The fatal crash occurred near Highway 44 and Centre Street when Mesteth's vehicle veered off the road, went airborne for more than 70 feet, and struck a utility pole at highway speeds. While Mesteth sustained only minor injuries, both Fenhaus and Sayler died from their injuries.
'Many believe meth only harms the people who choose to put it in their bodies. This case illustrates that it is not true,' said Kelsey Blair, Assistant Chief Deputy State's Attorney, in a press release.
Numerous family members of both victims urged the court to impose a significant sentence.
Vehicular homicide is a Class 3 felony in South Dakota, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine per count. However, because Mesteth was sentenced as a habitual offender, he faced enhanced penalties.
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