KAYSVILLE, Utah -- The wanted man who hit and killed a 21-year-old woman after two carjackings in Centerville Monday has been charged with first-degree felony murder in the woman's death.
Jazmyn Jeppson of Farmington suffered fatal injuries after her vehicle was struck by the one driven by 27-year-old Anthony Cruz, who had allegedly committed two carjackings and was fleeing from police.
According to friends and family, Jeppson had recently returned from serving a religious mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to a statement of probable cause filed in court Friday, Cruz has been charged with one count of first-degree felony murder for the death of Jeppson. Cruz also faces three counts of aggravated robbery as first-degree felonies.
The statement alleges Cruz carjacked a vehicle in Kaysville Monday, but it broke down a short time later on a Centerville freeway. He attempted another carjacking at knifepoint, which failed. In the next attempt he dragged the victim out of their car before driving off.
The document states Cruz fled at high speeds, and when exiting the freeway at Parrish Lane he ran a red light and struck Jeppson's car.
Jazmyn Jeppson
Jeppson was killed in the crash. Cruz suffered injuries and was taken to a hospital before he was booked into jail.
At a press conference announcing the charges, Jeppson's uncle spoke about Jazmyn.
"Jazmyn lived life to the fullest, she would want the focus to be on faith, family & forgiveness," he said.
FOX 13 News' Kiersten Nuñez was at the press conference, see the video above for her report.
