JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – A Jackson County man has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to charges related to a fatal crash that occurred in June 2023. The incident, which involved driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), led to the death of 46-year-old Shasta Smith.
Gary Caperna, 41, pleaded guilty on Friday morning to felony hit-and-run and DUII charges stemming from the tragic collision. According to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, the crash occurred on the night of June 6, 2023, near the Jackson County Expo.
The investigation revealed that Smith, who was driving a Honda Pilot, crashed into a Kia Rio while traveling southbound on Interstate 5. The impact caused the Kia Rio to roll into the center median and onto the northbound shoulder. Smith, who was found to be heavily intoxicated at the time, attempted to assist the occupants of the Kia Rio after her vehicle caught fire. Unfortunately, she was unable to help them escape before running into the northbound lane of traffic in an attempt to signal for help.
It was then that Caperna, who was driving a Ford F-150 northbound, struck Smith with his vehicle. Following the collision, Caperna fled the scene. However, his front license plate, which had fallen off during the crash, provided investigators with a crucial lead. Authorities were able to trace the license plate to Caperna, who later admitted to drinking before driving.
As a result of his actions, Caperna was sentenced to three years of probation, with the stipulation that if his probation is revoked, he will serve 18 months in prison. His driver’s license has also been revoked.
The District Attorney’s Office stated that the resolution of the case was influenced by Caperna’s lack of a criminal history and the difficulties involved in proving more serious charges, such as manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide. The office explained that Smith’s intoxication and the uncertainty surrounding the exact sequence of events before the fatal collision made it challenging to pursue those charges. Investigators were also unable to locate several key witnesses, which left gaps in understanding when Smith entered the northbound lane and how long she had been in the lane before being hit.
In reaching the plea agreement, the District Attorney’s Office consulted with Smith’s surviving sisters, who supported the outcome of the sentencing.
While the case is now concluded, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Both Caperna and Smith’s actions that night have had life-altering impacts, underscoring the importance of responsible driving and the devastating effects of impaired decision-making on the road.