- Kalynn Settle, 30, received a six-year prison sentence for vehicular homicide after a DUI crash that killed motorcyclist Aaron Barone, 41.
- Settle pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and drug possession, with the sentences running concurrently.
- The crash occurred at an intersection in Grand Junction, Colorado, on June 14, 2025, resulting in Barone's death.
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO — Kalynn Settle, 30, was sentenced to the maximum prison term available in her case after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in a DUI crash that killed motorcyclist Aaron Barone, 41, according to court records. The sentencing judge cited Settle’s missed drug tests while the case was pending as a key factor in imposing the top-end punishment.
Maximum Sentence Imposed After Guilty Plea
Settle previously pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). A district court judge sentenced her to six years in prison on the homicide count and one year on the drug possession count, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
Crash Happened at Grand Junction Intersection
The fatal crash occurred June 14, 2025, at the intersection of North Seventh Street and Bunting Avenue in Grand Junction. Barone died as a result of the collision, according to case records.
Investigators Documented Conflicting Account at the Scene
Body-worn camera footage referenced in reporting indicates Settle initially claimed she stopped to help because she was a registered nurse and suggested another driver was responsible. However, an officer pointed out apparent blood and biological material on the front of Settle’s vehicle.
Settle was arrested after an officer noted the odor of alcohol and she refused to perform field sobriety tests, according to the case summary.
Search and Blood Testing Cited in Court Records
After Settle declined sobriety testing, warrants were obtained for a blood draw and to search her vehicle, according to the investigation narrative. A police affidavit described items recovered from the car that included suspected alcohol, prescription medication, a burnt glass pipe, and containers holding white powder and white crystal-like substances.
The substances were later identified in the case file as ketamine and cocaine. Blood test results cited in reporting indicated Settle had alcohol and cocaine in her system.
Judge Cited Missed Drug Tests During Pretrial Release
During sentencing, the prosecutor asked the court for a five- or six-year prison term and argued Settle had missed multiple drug tests while the case was pending. The judge stated she had initially considered a non-prison sentence but said the missed tests raised concerns about continued substance use and accountability.
Barone’s father addressed the court and described the loss of his son. Settle also spoke at sentencing and expressed remorse.
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