Tulsa Man Charged In Deadly Grand Lake Boat Wreck

Manslaughter charges have been filed against a Tulsa man in Delaware County. Authorities say he was under the influence in a boat wreck that killed two people.

Monday, September 9th 2013, 12:07 pm

By: Dee Duren


First degree manslaughter charges were filed Monday in Delaware County court against Tulsan John Stuart DeSelms. DeSelms was the driver in a boat wreck that killed two people on May 14, 2013.

He turned himself in and was bonded out Monday morning.

Lab results show DeSelms had a blood alcohol content of .18 at the time of the wreck, more than two times the legal limit, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

DeSelms was driving a Cobalt boat that collided with a docked houseboat at the Arrowhead Yacht Club on Grand Lake. The bow of the Cobalt crashed through the back wall of the houseboat, killing Rachel Swetnam and William "Trey" Varner III.

5/22/2013 Related Story: GRDA: Driver In Deadly Grand Lake Boat Crash Was Under the Influence

Both were riding in the bow of the Cobalt boat.

DeSelms told a Grand River Dam Authority Police officer that he had consumed about 10 beers and a shot of tequila on the day of the wreck, starting at about 11:30 a.m. The wreck took place at 5:40 p.m.

The officer said DeSelms told her he'd taken an anti-depressant that was not prescribed to him and had smoked marijuana about two days before the crash.

DeSelms also told the officer that he didn't remember the collision but remembered talking to the people beside him and behind him before the wreck, according to court documents.

DeSelms' next court appearance is set for November 12, 2013. Each manslaughter charge is punishable by imprisonment for four years to life, a fine or up to $10,000 or both.

 

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