Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A trial date has been set for the Rochester man accused of driving drunk and killing a teenage girl in a traffic crash earlier this year.

Court records indicate the jury selection process for Sterling Haukom's trial is currently scheduled to begin on August 23rd following a pre-trial hearing on August 12th. The 35-year-old Rochester man faces criminal vehicular homicide and DWI charges in a case where Olmsted County prosecutors have signaled their intent to seek a sentence harsher than recommended by state guidelines.

Erika Cruz car accident gofundme Rochester Mn
Erika Cruz via GoFundMe
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The criminal complaint against Haukom alleges he was drunk and speeding at more than 60 miles per hour on a residential street just before his pickup smashed into a car at the intersection of 12th Street and 8th Avenue Southeast near the Lincoln School. The February 23rd collision claimed the life of 18-year-old Erika Cruz, who had graduated from Mayo High School last year and was enrolled in her first year of college.

Court documents indicate testing of a blood sample drawn from Haukom put his blood-alcohol-concentration at above .25 following the deadly crash. Court filings also say Haukom told investigators he had consumed about 15 alcoholic drinks and was speeding through the neighborhood because he was upset over an incident at a bar.

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