Arraignment set for man accused in relay runner’s death

By Tiffany Gibson

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 | 11:51 a.m.

The case of a 25-year-old Henderson man accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and fatally striking a relay runner was bound over Tuesday to district court.

Joshua Salayich waived his right to a preliminary hearing at a status check in Henderson Justice Court. Justice of the Peace Stephen George scheduled Salayich’s arraignment date in district court for 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 7.

District Attorney Eric Bauman said he has spoken with Salayich and his attorney, Michael Van, about reaching a plea agreement. Bauman said Salayich will plead guilty to driving under the influence causing death at his arraignment. That carries a mandatory prison sentence of anywhere from two to 20 years with no probation.

“We’ll be arguing for the top half of that sentence,” Bauman said.

Salayich was arrested Oct. 10 after police said he lost control of his vehicle and struck a relay runner in Henderson. He is charged with driving under the influence with death, leaving the scene of an accident and resisting an officer.

Investigators said Salayich’s car went onto the shoulder of the road near Horizon Ridge Parkway and Stephanie Street and struck 33-year-old Jeremy Kunz of Kamas, Utah.

Kunz died of several blunt force traumatic injuries received during the collision, the coroner's office said. The death was officially ruled an accident.

Salayich, who suffered minor injuries, is accused of running from the car after he allegedly struck Kunz. Officers caught him about half a mile from the scene and took him to the Henderson jail, reports said.

Kunz was one of about 2,400 people taking part in the 180-mile Ragnar Relay run from Valley of Fire State Park to Red Rock Resort.

Salayich posted bail at $125,000 and is no longer being held at the Clark County Detention Center, Van said.