Dowdy Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Fatal Crash Involving UCC Softball Team

COOS BAY — Two Coos County courtrooms were filled Thursday afternoon as family members, teammates, and community supporters gathered to witness the sentencing of the man responsible for the April 18 crash that killed two members of the Umpqua Community College softball team and injured several others.

Judge Andrew Combs sentenced Johnathan James Dowdy, 33, of Coos Bay, to 20 years and six months in prison for the fatal collision. Dowdy previously pled guilty to multiple charges in August as part of a stipulated agreement, and his attorney confirmed he accepted the sentence.

Sentencing details

Dowdy admitted guilt to two counts of second-degree manslaughter for the deaths of student-athlete Kiley Jones and head coach Jami Strinz. He received six years and three months on each count, served consecutively.

He also pled guilty to three counts of third-degree assault, reflecting the serious injuries suffered by three team members. Each count carried a sentence of two years and eight months, also consecutive. Together with the manslaughter terms, these sentences total 20 years and six months. Dowdy received credit for the seven months already served.

Additional convictions included five counts of fourth-degree assault for less serious injuries, along with driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) and driving while suspended. He will also serve three years of post-prison supervision and face multiple lifetime revocations of his driver’s license, making any future driving a felony offense.

Legal considerations

Prosecutors initially charged Dowdy with first-degree manslaughter, which requires proving extreme indifference to human life. Senior Deputy District Attorney John Blanc explained that while Dowdy’s actions were morally indifferent, the legal standard is difficult to meet in DUII cases. The plea agreement reduced the charges to second-degree manslaughter and third-degree assault, all based on reckless conduct.

Dowdy’s attorney, Jennifer Leseberg, said the stipulated plea was the best way for him to accept responsibility. She noted his personal background, including his upbringing in Roseburg and Days Creek, the death of his father, and health challenges following the crash.

Victim and witness statements

Emotional testimony came from victims and family members. Jones’ mother said her daughter had planned to go into law enforcement and expressed forgiveness toward Dowdy, though she criticized the system for failing her daughter. Her father echoed the forgiveness, saying it was what his daughter would have wanted.

Several injured teammates described their continuing medical challenges. One said she would never be able to play sports again, while another told Dowdy directly that she forgave him.

A couple who had driven behind Dowdy’s truck before the crash recounted his erratic driving and their 911 call. They described the scene after the collision, noting Dowdy’s concern for calling his girlfriend but not for the victims.

Judge’s remarks

Judge Combs said the plea agreement brought certainty to the victims, noting the unpredictability of jury trials. He emphasized the seriousness of Dowdy’s record and said the case resonated personally, as both he and his wife are from Myrtle Point, near where the crash occurred.

Dowdy was not assigned additional court or attorney fees beyond mandatory DUII fines. Restitution for medical and other costs will be determined at a December 1 hearing.