Des Moines Police release names of 3 teens killed in high speed crash

DES MOINES, IOWA — Authorities are releasing the names of three teenagers killed in a violent crash earlier this week in Des Moines. Jamarion Jackson, 18, and Eric Vortes, Jr. and James ‘JT’ Taylor III, both 15, were killed after their car went airborne and struck a tree on Wednesday afternoon. Another 18-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition.

According to Des Moines Police, an officer in an unmarked vehicle spotted the teens sitting in a car that had been reported stolen in McRae Park. Police say the teens apparently became aware there was an officer watching them and sped out of the park. Police say the teens left the park heading eastbound on Davis Avenue, running the stop sign at SW 9th Street. Just a few blocks later, the car hit a curb, went airborne and struck a tree – throwing all four teens from the car.

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Two others passed away at local hospitals . The fourth passenger remains hospitalized in critical condition. That person’s name hasn’t been released.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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