Colorado Springs Driver Sentenced in Fatal Crash
A 48-year-old man received a four-year prison term for his role in a fatal head-on collision on Briargate Boulevard.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Motorsports
Jerome Archer has been sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections following a March head-on collision that killed 77-year-old Deanna Stemler. Authorities allege the crash occurred while two vehicles were racing eastbound on Briargate Boulevard.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the lethal consequences of illegal street racing within the city. Authorities are actively pursuing the case against the second individual involved in the alleged race.
Jerome Archer received a four-year sentence following his arrest on vehicular homicide charges. Leeanaya Joey Martinez remains under investigation and faces pending charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
The players
Jerome Archer
The 48-year-old was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections for his involvement in the fatal collision.
Deanna Stemler
The 77-year-old victim died after her vehicle was struck by a car during an alleged street race.
Leeanaya Joey Martinez
The 18-year-old faces charges of vehicular homicide and illegal speed contest participation.
The details
Police stated that a vehicle involved in the street race crossed into oncoming traffic, striking the Volkswagen SUV driven by Deanna Stemler. Jerome Archer turned himself in to law enforcement in May after an arrest warrant was issued.
Timeline
March 22: Deanna Stemler died in a head-on collision.
May 21: Jerome Archer turned himself in to police.
October 28, 2026: Jerome Archer received a four-year prison sentence.
November 12: Leeanaya Joey Martinez is scheduled for a court hearing.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard prosecution path for fatalities caused by illegal speed contests under the Colorado vehicular homicide statute. Local courts continue to prioritize these charges to deter reckless driving behavior within the city.
Residents should be aware that law enforcement remains focused on identifying and prosecuting participants in illegal street racing on major thoroughfares. Safety advisories regarding reckless driving may be updated as the court proceedings for remaining defendants continue.
The takeaway
Illegal street racing remains a critical safety issue that carries severe legal consequences for all participants involved. Motorists are encouraged to report observed reckless driving to local authorities to help prevent future fatalities.
What happens next
Leeanaya Joey Martinez has a court hearing scheduled for Nov. 12 to address charges of vehicular homicide and participation in an illegal speed contest.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement, see the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRDO.
