Hiawatha man found guilty of vehicular homicide

Ruben Mayo's family cried in relief Friday after hearing the jury's guilty verdict for Troy Fox, who was responsible for Mayo's irreversible paralysis and ultimately his death.

Fox, 36, of Hiawatha, was convicted for vehicular homicide and faces a mandatory 25 years in prison. Sentencing was set Dec. 17, in Linn County District Court.

The jury deliberated about five hours.

Fox was intoxicated and drove himself and his friend, Mayo, 32, also of Hiawatha, home Oct. 5, 2009. Fox lost control of his car on I-380, near Collins Road, colliding with a light pole and Mayo suffered severe spinal cord injury in the crash.

The family of Mayo in a statement said they thanked the jury for “their time and attention to this very difficult case. The family agrees with the guilty verdict.”

Mayo's family also wanted to thank First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks and Anastasia Wilson, the victim's coordinator, and Horizons Survivors Program for their professional handling of the case.

Fox's family, also in the courtroom, were tearful as sheriff's deputies took him into custody. They did allow him to hug his family before leaving the courtroom.

The issue of this case was different than some vehicular homicides because Mayo chose to withdraw life support Oct. 11, 2009 after learning his condition was irreversible. He had cervical fractures at multiple levels of the spine and was paralyzed from the mid-neck down. He couldn't breathe on his own after the accident, only with a ventilator.

Doctors testified because of his paralysis he had no control over his arms, hands, legs, bladder and bowel. The doctors couldn't predict how long he would live but it would be less than normal life expectancy.

The defense claimed Fox wasn't guilty of vehicular homicide because Mayo chose to end his life by withdrawing life support.

The prosecution said Fox's reckless actions led to Mayo's death and meet the elements of the crime – homicide by vehicle.