CASE OF INTEREST

Date: February 6, 2006

Case: People v. Jason Golson
         Case Number 06F01076

Contact: Lana Wyant, Special Assistant Deputy District Attorney

Telephone: (916) 874-5907


District Attorney Jan Scully today announced that charges of Second Degree Murder, a violation of Penal Code Section 187(a) and Felony Hit and Run Causing Injury or Death, a violation of Vehicle Code Section 20001(b) have been filed against Jason Golson. The 23 year old Citrus Heights man is being charged in connection with the February 2, 2006, street racing incident in which one man, Steve Skattebo, was killed and his passenger severely injured on Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights.

On the morning of February 2nd, the defendant, who was driving a Honda CRX, and the victim, who was driving a Ford Mustang, agreed to drag race. At some point during the race the victim lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries. The defendant fled the scene and was arrested shortly after the crash at his workplace.

After reviewing the investigation report the District Attorney’s Office determined that a charge of Second Degree Murder in this case is appropriate. The factors expressed below demonstrate that the defendant conducted himself in such a way as to express a conscious disregard for human life. Malice can be implied when a conscious disregard for human life is shown, thus giving rise to the charge of murder. While a charge of Second Degree Murder in a street racing case is not common, it has been pursued in other cases with similar facts.

Factors that led to the filing of Second Degree Murder include: the duration of the street race (estimated to be 4-5 miles), speeds reached during the race (estimated to be between 70-80 mph), reckless driving maneuvers exhibited during the race, and the fact that the race took place on a busy stretch of Auburn Boulevard at a time of day when it is heavily traveled.

If convicted, Golson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years to life in State Prison.