Trial Opens Over Fatal Des Moines Motorcycle Crash
A 33-year-old Des Moines woman faces a failure-to-yield charge in a crash that killed a 40-year-old motorcyclist.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Accidents
Trial began Tuesday in Des Moines for a 33-year-old woman charged with Failure to Yield resulting in death, a serious misdemeanor, over a June 4, 2025 crash that killed Matthew Ringgenberg, 40. The trial is expected to last about an hour and a half per session as proceedings continue.
Why it matters
The case examines how fault is assigned in a fatal intersection collision involving a motorcycle and a car, with witness accounts central to the dispute. The defendant's separate civil lawsuit against the victim's estate adds a second legal front to the same crash.
The defendant is charged with Failure to Yield resulting in death, a serious misdemeanor, and has prior guilty pleas to Operating While Intoxicated and two counts of Child Endangerment. Trial resumes November 23 when the lead investigator is available, with sentencing scheduled for December 9 pending the outcome.
The details
Eyewitness testimony indicates Ringgenberg's motorcycle T-boned the defendant's car after she allegedly pulled out in front of it at an intersection. Ringgenberg died at the scene from blunt force injuries, and the defendant reportedly lacked insurance and was driving with a barred license.
Timeline
June 4, 2025: Crash killed Matthew Ringgenberg in Des Moines.
November 10, 2026: Trial began and lasted about an hour and a half.
November 23, 2026: Trial resumes for lead investigator testimony.
December 9, 2026: Sentencing scheduled on all charges.
Legal Context
The case applies Iowa's Failure to Yield statute, which governs right-of-way violations that result in death, to a fatal intersection collision in Des Moines. Its outcome will show how courts weigh eyewitness accounts against a defendant's prior record in similar traffic prosecutions.
Drivers in Des Moines should note the trial's focus on yielding at intersections, where failure to stop or yield can have fatal consequences. The case underscores the importance of valid insurance and a valid license for anyone on the road.
The takeaway
Right-of-way violations at intersections remain a leading cause of serious crashes, and this trial shows how eyewitness accounts can determine liability. Drivers should verify they yield properly and keep valid insurance and licensing.
What happens next
Trial resumes November 23 for lead investigator testimony, and sentencing is scheduled for December 9 on all charges connected to the crash.
Further reading
Find more local coverage in our Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Who13.
