Driver in Pocatello crash waives preliminary hearing

The woman charged in the death of motorcyclist Staci Shryock waived the hearing and now heads to district court.

Joanne Christofferson and her defense attorney, Scott Andrew, presented the waiver before Judge David Kress Tuesday morning at the Bannock County Courthouse. Family members of both Christofferson and Shryock were at the hearing.

Christofferson was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter on May 30, a day after hitting Shryock head-on. The two collided after Christofferson crossed over into the westbound lane on U.S. Highway 30. Shryock died on the scene.

If convicted on her charge, Christofferson could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Andrew also filed a motion to reduce her bond, which was set at $100,000.

“If she’s able to make that bond she would be required to report to court services. It means they would do random testing and make sure she’s keeping in touch with her attorney,” said Bannock County Deputy Attorney Jared Johnson. “There would be a lot of obligations that she would have that if she doesn’t meet those obligations there would be a warrant out for her arrest.”

Neither the prosecution nor defense have received a complete police report for the accident. Andrew said there’s still a lot for each side to see for the case.

“We have a summary and a basic grasp of what law enforcement knows and what’s going on,” said Andrew. “There’s still a lot more to be done. Accident reconstruction report, toxicology report from the state lab– there’s a lot of reports that still need to be finalized.”

Since the investigation is still ongoing, there could be additional charges filed against Christofferson.

Her arraignment hearing is scheduled for June 22. According to Andrew, she will likely be entering a not guilty plea.