NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 29, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Wade Backstrom
218-726-2323 or backstromw@stlouiscountymn.gov
Casey Jerald Daniels pleads guilty
Court file # 69HI-CR-24-518
Yesterday, in St. Louis County District Court in Hibbing, Casey Jerald Daniels, 31, pleaded guilty to Criminal Vehicular Homicide – Alcohol Concentration .08 or More within 2 Hours of Driving, St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki said. The Honorable Robert Friday presided over the case and set a sentencing hearing for July 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM.
On July 27, 2024, deputies were dispatched to an ATV trail between Chisholm and Buhl on a report of a single Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) crash. Deputies arrived on scene and observed the defendant, Mr. Daniels, the male victim, the damaged UTV, and empty alcoholic beverage cans scattered around the area. The victim was unresponsive and declared deceased at the scene. Mr. Daniels admitted that he was driving the UTV at the time of the crash. A sample of Mr. Daniels’ blood, sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing, revealed an alcohol concentration of .113.
“Mr. Daniels’ reckless and irresponsible decision to operate a UTV under the influence of alcohol caused the death of his passenger and friend,” said County Attorney Maki. “Mr. Daniels’ poor decision, and the permanent consequences that stemmed from it, demonstrate the dangers of impaired driving.”
Pursuant to the plea agreement, the State will seek a prison sentence (the presumption under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines), while Mr. Daniels will be free to seek a downward departure. Mr. Daniels’ sentence will ultimately be decided by the court.
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and thanks them for their patience during the court process. Additionally, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office credits the successful outcome in this matter to the thorough investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Tyler Kenefick.
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