A Colorado woman has been sentenced to the maximum time in prison for a deadly DUI crash that killed a motorcyclist in Grand Junction last year.
What Happened
Kalynn Settle, 30, was behind the wheel when her car struck and killed 41-year-old Aaron Barone at the intersection of North Seventh Street and Bunting Avenue on June 14, 2025.
At the scene, Settle told police she had stopped to help — claiming she was a registered nurse and that another driver had caused the crash. Officers, however, noticed blood and human flesh on the front of her own vehicle.
What Police Found
Settle refused to perform sobriety tests. Officers obtained warrants and searched her car, finding:
- Alcohol and prescription medication
- A burnt glass pipe
- A white powder that tested positive for ketamine
- A white crystal that tested positive for cocaine
Her blood test confirmed both cocaine and alcohol in her system at the time of the crash.
“Good Luck With That”
When an officer told Settle she was under arrest for DUI, she responded — “Good luck with that.”
The Sentence
Judge JenniLynne Lawrence sentenced Settle to:
- 6 years for vehicular homicide
- 1 year for cocaine possession
- Both sentences to run at the same time
The judge had originally considered community supervision — allowing Settle to avoid prison — but changed course after Settle missed multiple drug tests during the pretrial period.
“These are not the behaviors of a sober person,” the judge said in court.
Family Speaks Out
Aaron Barone’s father addressed the courtroom directly.
“He worked hard his entire life, only to have it cut short by an act of irresponsibility,” he said.
Settle, speaking through tears, told the court — “On that day, I made a choice I can never undo.”
The judge left open the possibility of a reduced sentence with good behavior.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
