Families of men killed in 2005 car crash await day in court

PORT ANGELES — On a warm, summer evening in August 2005, three men were killed in a crash on U.S. Highway 101.

Two were father and son. The other was a father of two small girls.

The man law enforcement believes caused the wreck was arrested, jailed and charged.

More than five postponements later, a court date has been set for the four-day trial: Oct. 9.

But there’s a chance the trial of Michael John Jones, 49, will get continued again.

For the loved ones of Ian Rolley, 45, his son, Jeremy, 21, and his friend, J.J. Brewer, 21, the nightmare started Aug. 3, 2005, and it hasn’t ended.

Family members have shown up for trial after having scheduled time off from work, only to be told that the case had been postponed.

“That’s how I found out,” said Jay Brewer, J. J. Brewer’s father.

“It’s such a helpless feeling,” said Jeanne Rolley, Ian Rolley’s mother and Jeremy Brewer’s grandmother.

Three died in crash

Investigators believe that on Aug. 3, 2005, Jones’ station wagon drifted across the U.S. Highway 101 centerline and the car’s front end clipped the front of a pickup truck driven by Ian Rolley.

The pickup truck containing three people then rolled into oncoming traffic and was hit by a cargo truck.

All three men were declared dead at the scene.

A State Patrol toxicology report said that Jones had multiple prescription drugs in his system, including methadone, a synthetic painkiller.

Jones had his wife and son in the car at the time of the crash.

Both were uninjured. Jones suffered minor injuries, cuts on his arm.

If convicted, Jones could face between 51 to 68 months in prison, according to court documents.

Currently he is being held in the Clallam County jail on $350,000 cash bail, charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.

Jones has pleaded not guilty.

More in News

Family members of the late Mike McAleer, from left, McAleer’s wife, Shannon Burke, son Michael McAleer and daughter Colleen McAleer, accept the Clallam Economic Development Council’s Olympic Leader Award at Friday’s annual EDC Gala at 7 Cedars Casino in Blyn. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Former volunteer named Olympic Leader at EDC gala

Mike McAleer served on boards, provided support

Jefferson County discusses rules for rental units

Public comments to be accepted through Friday

U.S. Rep. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, speaks about current issues during a town hall meeting on Saturday in the Little Theater at Peninsula College in Port Angeles. Several hundred people attended, including an overflow audience in the Pirate Union Building. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Town hall

U.S. Rep. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, speaks about current issues during a town… Continue reading

Firefighters rescue woman from house fire

Firefighters and neighbors rescued a woman and three dogs following… Continue reading

Firefighters from East Jefferson Fire Rescue extinguished an RV fire early Monday morning on Marrowstone Island. (East Jefferson Fire Rescue)
Firefighters put out RV fire on Marrowstone Island

East Jefferson Fire Rescue extinguished an RV fire in… Continue reading

Soroptimist International of Sequim’s Medical Loan Closet seeks a business or community organization that can take advantage of its nonprofit status to provide it with an 800- to 1,000-square-foot space. (Soroptimist International of Sequim)
Soroptimists seek partner for Medical Loan Closet

Soroptimist International of Sequim’s Medical Loan Closet has provided free… Continue reading

x
Shop With a Hero program partners with Mariners

The Clallam County Shop With a Hero team has… Continue reading

Celebrations set this week for World Water Day

The Elwha Legacy Forests Coalition and the Earth Law… Continue reading

Forum to discuss Charter Review Commission

The Clallam County Democrats will host a forum on… Continue reading

Jeannine Vaughn of Carlsborg looks a gems and jewelry at a display table operated by Steve Morgan of Joyce-based Lil’ Log Cabin Creations on Saturday at the Clallam County Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show at Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The show, hosted by the Clallam County Gem & Mineral Association, brought together rock enthusiasts with vendor booths and demonstrations highlighting the hobby. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Gem show

Jeannine Vaughn of Carlsborg looks a gems and jewelry at a display… Continue reading

Sequim City Council members will discuss March 24 how the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display, pictured in 2022, impacts wildlife and residents. Local advocates made the request to council members in February to stop the fireworks display and move the drone show away from wildlife habitat at Carrie Blake Community Park. (Michael Dashiell/Olympic Peninsula News Group file)
Sequim City Council to discuss fireworks

Grassroots group advocates for changes

Interact Club members fill jugs and buckets in the Dungeness River for the annual Walk for Water event on March 1. They walk about 4 miles roundtrip to symbolize how far some people must go for drinking water. They raised more than $5,000 to help build a well in a Ghana village. (John Pehrson)
Sequim High students raise money through Walk for Water

Interact Club helps fund another well in Ghana