Arrest warrant is issued for man who failed to show up in court in the death of La Grande woman

PENDLETON – Gabriel Madrid Velasquez of Kennewick was due to be sentenced in Sixth Circuit Court Tuesday in the crash that took the life of Kari Ann Lindeman, 49, of La Grande on July 29, 2022. He failed to show up for his court date.

Elkhorn Media Group has confirmed that an arrest warrant has been issued and that Velasquez has also forfeited the bail he paid to get out of Umatilla County Jail. He was seriously injured in the crash but recovered from his injuries and was taken to the jail in August of 2022. When he was arrested he was charged with one count of first-degree manslaughter, one count of second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of reckless endangering, and one count of driving under the influence.

The collision forced the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 near milepost 216 to be closed for six hours due to the crash.

The case was being tried by Oregon Department of Justice Attorney Dan Wendel.

Several people involved in the case have expressed dismay that Velasquez did not show and law enforcement officials say they are actively looking for him.

Mug shot of Velasquez taken Aug. 16, 2022, by Umatilla County Jail

Editor’s note: Mug shots are allowed to be publicly released if the subject is being sought or has been judged to be guilty.

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Elkhorn Media Group