Vehicular homicide charges filed in Cedar Rapids-linked crash

ANKENY - An Iowa man is facing vehicular homicide charges after authorities blamed his driving for a May accident that killed a 5-year-old boy and his baby sister and injured two other family members.

The Polk County Attorney's Office has charged Kevin Dalasta of Ankeny with two counts each of homicide by vehicle and serious injury by vehicle.

The complaint says Dalasta's reckless driving caused the deaths of Carson DeJoode and 5-month-old Claire DeJoode, along with serious injuries to their mother, Heather, and their 3-year-old brother, Chase.

Heather DeJoode grew up in Cedar Rapids and is a 1992 graduate of Kennedy High School.

Police said Dalasta drove a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado through a stop sign and smashed into the family's van.

Dalasta was also injured. There was no phone number for him listed in Ankeny, and it wasn't clear whether he had an attorney.

In a statement, Heather DeJoode and her husband, Troy, said they were grateful that authorities had completed their investigation.

“We understand that they have been very thorough and deliberate. We recognize that it sometimes takes time to reach a good and right decision,” the couple said. “While none of this takes away our tremendous loss and continued grief, we are thankful to have at least this part behind us, recognizing there is still much ahead.”