Trial reset fifth time for Urbana man charged with running over woman in bar parking lot

The trial set to start later this month for an Urbana man, who is charged with running over a woman and unintentionally causing her death and also seriously injuring her boyfriend in 2019, has been reset for the fifth time.

Bret D. Klima, 31, is charged with two homicide by vehicle — operating under the influence, homicide by vehicle — reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The criminal complaint stated Klima unintentionally caused the death of Kimberley Anne Swore, 50, of Center Point, and seriously injuring Jack Greenhaw Jr., 46, at the time, of Vinton.

According to the complaint, Linn County Sheriff’s deputies responded about 1:30 a.m. Dec. 1 to the parking lot of Bully’s North at 510 Iowa St. in Center Point. Several witnesses reported that Klima, driving a Chevrolet Suburban, had “floored it,” rapidly accelerating in reverse and hitting and killing Swore and injuring Greenhaw. He then fled the scene without providing information and help.

Several hours later, deputies found and questioned Klima, who admitted to driving recklessly and feeling “a little buzzed” when the crash happened, the complaint stated. He also admitted to drinking five beers and one mixed drink.

Swore died from her injuries, and Greenhaw was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Klima was charged Jan. 17 of last year and his trial has been delayed five times. It’s now set for Jan. 4.

The case management reports indicated the trial had been reset because additional discovery and depositions were needed. It may have been delayed a few times because of the pandemic, when all trials were put on hold.

Klima hasn’t been in jail pending trial. He paid the $50,000 bail Jan. 21 of last year.

According to her obituary, Swore is survived by her son, parents, six siblings and Greenhaw, who was “the love of her life.”

Swore worked as a respiratory therapist for several years at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton and most recently at CarePro in Cedar Rapids, according to the obituary.

If Klima is convicted on all charges, he faces up to 45 years in prison.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com