Christmas Eve Drunk Driver Killed 88-Year-Old Man in Lakeville, MN

Jeffery Arthur Martin, 37, was charged for driving drunk and causing a collision that led to the death of an 88-year-old man on Christmas Eve.

The accident took place at Dodd Blvd and Gerdine Avenue, Lakeville. Martin was driving a Dodge Durango, and turned left onto westbound Dodd, crashing into the Cadillac driven by Susan M. Shaffer, 69, of Prior Lake.

Shaffer was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she is still in serious condition. Her husband, Everett Letterly, 88, was taken to Regions and died on Christmas Day. Martin was not injured nor was his 9-year-old child, who was in the car with him.

Martin failed the preliminary breath test and was arrested at the scene. Monday he was charged in Dakota County District Court with drunken driving and child endangerment in connection with the collision. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said more charges may follow.

The accident is under further investigation by Dakota County Officers.

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