Truck Driver Charged in November’s Fatal Interstate 77 Accident

The truck driver who has been charged with vehicular homicide.

Jesse Carter, of Maple Heights, who was 59 at the time of the accident, hit Jonathan Costlow, 40, of Akron the morning of Nov. 10, killing the construction worker. Carter was not charged until after an investigation was complete.

Sergio DiGeronimo, the city’s assistant law director, said there was no evidence that Carter was under the influence of any chemicals or intoxicants during the accident. Carter’s cell phone records were also examined, and they showed that he was not using the phone at the time of the accident.

The vehicular homicide is a first-degree misdemeanor, DiGeronimo said. Since Carter has a commercial driver’s license, that was the lowest charge he could receive.

DiGeronimo said Carter pleaded not guilty earlier this week in the Garfield Heights Municipal Court. The next pretrial date will be Jan. 30.