Van Horne man charged with vehicular homicide in death of Jesup woman

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Van Horne man, who authorities say was under the influence of alcohol and medication, was charged Monday with vehicular homicide in a motorcycle crash that led to the death of a Jesup woman Aug. 3.

Brett Feuerhelm, 41, who made his initial court appearance Monday by video from the Linn County Jail, was charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide (reckless driving). Feuerhelm is accused of losing control of his motorcycle while turning at the intersection of 12th Street and 29th Avenue SW on Aug. 3, while under the influence of alcohol and medication, according to the criminal complaint. His passenger, Shawna Skinner, 34, of Jesup, died at the scene of the crash.

According to the complaint, Feuerhelm admitted he drank four bottles of beer and was taking medication prior to the crash. His blood alcohol test taken two hours after the collision showed a 0.088 percent blood alcohol content level. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. Feuerhelm told police he was driving about 50 mph northbound on 12th Street SW and, as he tried to turn at the intersection onto 29th Avenue SW, he lost control of his 2011 Suzuki motorcycle and hit a street sign.

A judge set a $100,000 cash or surety bond for each charge. If convicted on both charges, Feuerhelm faces up to 25 years in prison.

Feuerhelm remains in the Linn County Jail.