ADA: Woman accused of killing husband in Ogden crash asked ‘Are you ready to die? Do you want to die?’
[anvplayer video=”5042676″ station=”998131″]
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A judge has set bail at $200,000 cash for a woman charged with murder in connection to the death of her husband.
News10NBC Jennifer Lewke reports Judge Meredith Vacca made the decision Monday morning during the arraignment of Jennie A. Clark, 42.
Investigators say Clark was driving her family home, on the morning of July 4 when she crossed into the wrong lane, striking a utility pole on Colby Street near Union Street.
A section of the pole landed on the car, killing 43-year-old Matthew D. Clark instantly. Three children under the age of 16 were also in the car at the time of the crash but were not hurt.
Clark is charged with murder in the second degree which indicates a depraved indifference to human life. She’s also charged with driving drunk, speeding and multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Just has denied our request for a camera in the courtroom during this bail hearing. Her attorney says Clark has no criminal record and three daughters ages 13, 11 and 6 who will keep her here in Monroe County. @news10nbc
— Jennifer Lewke (@WHEC_JLewke) July 12, 2021
Police previously told News10NBC one of their daughters recorded the couple right before the crash, which played into the murder charge. Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Amanda Balling said in court on Monday, “The defendant can be heard threatening everyone in the car that she was going to run the vehicle into a tree” she can be heard saying, “Are you ready to die, do you want to die?"
ADA says she is charged with Murder in the 2nd under depraved indifference theory, “the defendant can be heard threatening everyone in the car that she was going to run the vehicle into a tree” she can be heard saying, “are you ready to die, do you want to die” @news10nbc
— Jennifer Lewke (@WHEC_JLewke) July 12, 2021
A grand jury convened and decided to indict Clark on at least one felony count. The indictment is sealed until the grand jury rises.
Jennie Clark[Ogden Police Department]
Outside of the courtroom Balling said this is one of the most heartbreaking cases she’s ever had to prosecute.
“It’s a tragedy that was 100% avoidable, within a matter of minutes three children’s lives were changed forever so it’s just a terrible, terrible tragedy,” Balling told News10NBC.
Clark’s defense attorney, Joe D’Amelio, says he just obtained a copy of the video.
“Yes there is a video whether or not that video will be admissible at the trial of this case remains to be seen…I think it’s a horrible set of circumstances it’s a terrible optic. It’s something that we’re going to have to deal with… sometimes people say things that they don’t mean and then when they turn out a certain way you know, I’ve seen it,” D’Amelio said.
Vacca set a $400,000 insurance bond and an $800,000 bond.