Fatal car crash driver Hunter Claycomb set for trial
Claycomb, charged with two vehicular homicides in 2020, will stand for trial in 2023 after multiple delays
Hunter Claycomb’s mugshot from the Boulder County Sherrif’s Office.
Hunter Claycomb, 20-year-old MHS alumni, was charged with vehicular homicide in Oct. 2020 after crashing into a couple on the Diagonal Highway.
This crash resulted in the deaths of two Longmont residents: 58-year-old Robert Melanson and 57-year-old Cindi Melanson. Both were in their truck and turning left on the Diagonal Highway when hit.
When the crash occurred, both cars rolled and quickly erupted into flames.
Claycomb is not believed to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. He was, however, driving over 100 mph in the 65 mph zone. Once he saw the Melanson’s truck turn onto the highway, he is believed to have been going 96 mph, and after viewing the crash site, it was determined that the crash would not have even happened had he slowed down to 90 mph or less or stayed in his lane as opposed to swerving.
In July 2021, Claycomb pleaded not guilty to all of his charges: two vehicular homicides, reckless driving, speeding more than 40 mph over posted speed limit, and violation of bond.
Claycomb’s trial was pushed back several times due to the finding of new evidence, according to his defense attorneys for the case. His trial is set for March 27, 2023.
According to the Longmont Times Call, Boulder District Judge Patrick Butler “set the case for a five-day trial starting March 27, and Claycomb will remain out of custody on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond”.
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Arizona Lee is a senior, and this is her second year as Editor-in-Chief of The Mav. She enjoys reading, listening to good music, and spending time with friends. She hopes to guide the student newspaper and broadcast this year to continued success.
Donna • Oct 18, 2022 at 7:43 pm
He need to be in jail until he goes to trial for taking the life of 2 people what is wrong with our judicial system
Sherri • Mar 29, 2023 at 2:46 pm
Why are people so quick to judge without knowing or understanding the entire situation. Hunter did nothing wrong in this situation except speed. It was purely an accident and nothing was intentional. It is very sad that 2 people lost their life to this accident but how can you judge/blame someone that was doing what 90% of you have done on the Diagonal, SPEED! He was not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, he was not texting or even on his phone to distract him, he was driving at a higher speed then posted and another car crossed his path at the wrong time. It was all in Gods hands and no one else. So stop being so quick to judge!
Heidi silvers • Mar 29, 2023 at 7:04 pm
He needs to spend life in jail just speeding? That was a choice which killed 2 people. He was breaking the law. Then he video tapes the car burning with the gentleman decapitated and the wife charred beyond recognition. Horrible