In a tragic incident over the weekend, a mother of three lost her life in a devastating car crash caused by a couple in a heated altercation. Officials confirmed the heartbreaking event that led to her untimely demise.
Janelle Marie Swenson, aged 42, died instantly following the crash, according to a report by the Minnesota Star Tribune. In the aftermath, charges have been brought against Jack Leroy Daniel Drumbeater, 41, who faces accusations of manslaughter and third-degree murder. His ex-partner, Kerri Ellen Hart, 38, allegedly behind the wheel of the truck during the incident, has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide.
Janelle’s obituary poignantly states: “She was unfairly taken away from us far too young and far too soon due to this senseless tragedy, yet the positive legacy Janelle imprinted on her loved ones will stay with us forever.”
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Drumbeater had entered a gas station store while Hart assumed control of the vehicle, accelerating rapidly from the location, as detailed in the Star Tribune.
In her haste, Hart struck Drumbeater, who managed to latch onto the truck’s flatbed. Demonstrating resilience, he broke the rear window with his fist and climbed into the cab.
Hart said that she was punched in the head and doesn’t remember the crash, which happened as soon as Drumbeater gained access to the cab, according to the report.
One witness said about two and a half blocks from the gas station, the truck crashed into Swenson’s car. The impact trapped her in the vehicle, preventing first responders from potentially saving her life.
Hart claimed that she had broken up with Drumbeater shortly before the crash. She told police that he showed up at her friend’s place and asked to go for a ride before warning her not to leave.
Janelle Marie Swenson’s death was allegedly caused after a fighting couple struck her vehicle with a truck
Swenson and her husband, Josh Swenson, raised three children in Minnesota. Her obituary describes her as an outdoorswoman with a passion for fishing, hunting, motorcycles and horse riding
Drumbeater reportedly hit her and had weapons in the truck, including an axe, bat and club. She said he warned her not to ‘try anything funny.’
Camera recordings and witnesses said Hart was driving when the crash happened but Drumbeater insisted he was behind the wheel when talking to the police.
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Police officers found 1.4 grams of methamphetamine and paraphernalia inside the truck. Drumbeater admitted to smoking meth that morning. Hart said she smoked a few days before but was trying to stay sober.
The truck that Drumbeater and Hart killed Swenson with was not even their own. The actual owner of the truck arrived at the scene of the murder to report that his truck was stolen.
On top of the charges relating to the crash, Drumbeater faces drug possession and motor vehicle charges. He reportedly got angry after officers told him that Hart would be charged in the killing of Swenson too.
During the crash chaos, Hart also suffered life-threatening injuries and was transferred to the neuro-care unit at Essentia Hospital in Duluth before being booked into jail a few days later, the Star Tribune reports.
Jack Leroy Daniel Drumbeater, 41, was co-responsible for the crash that killed Janelle Swenson and is charged with third degree murder, among other charges. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota, did not have a mugshot of his ex-partner Kerri Ellen Hart
The truck crashed into Swenson’s car and trapped her in the vehicle which prevented first reponsers from potentially saving her life, according to reports
Swenson’s obituary thanked first responders and the strangers who helped.
The tribute also describes her as an outdoorswoman with a passion for fishing, hunting, motorcycles and horse riding.
‘She had a tenacious personality, never letting a horse win after being bucked off. Janelle always got back on… She was a dedicated hunter and excellent shot, bagging many bucks except “da 30-point buck,”‘ it reads.
She and her three children raised grand champion rabbits that they entered at the Itasca County Fair in Minnesota. She was often in the garden and was described as compassionate and down-to-earth.
Swenson is survived by her husband Josh Swenson and children Jayden, JD and Josie. She recently became a grandmother.
The Daily Mail contacted the family for comment. Swenson’s funeral is scheduled for August 29.