Truck driver convicted in fatal bee crash

Published 9:15 am Thursday, May 24, 2012

HASTINGS — A Minnesota truck driver has been convicted in a crash that killed two drivers and an unborn child and released thousands of bees in Lakeville two years ago.

Dakota County Judge Karen Asphaug found 38-year-old Jason Styrbicky of Buffalo guilty of three counts of criminal vehicular homicide and one count of careless driving.

Authorities say Styrbicky rammed into the rear of two cars, crushing them between his truck and another truck carrying bees.

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Styrbicky told a State Patrol investigator he was trying to retrieve an energy drink can when the crash happened May 24, 2010. The investigation also found Styrbicky was not wearing his required glasses.

Killed were drivers Pamela Brinkhaus and Kari Rasmussen. Rasmussen’s unborn child also died.

Sentencing is set for July 31.