Man accused of vehicular homicide ruled competent for trial

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids man accused of vehicular homicide in the death of his 30-year-old passenger in 2012 has been found competent to stand trial.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Robert Sosalla lifted a stay of court proceedings Friday for Jeremy D. Rud, 33, saying he had been found able to assist in his defense and understand the nature of the charges against him.

Rud was sent to the Iowa Medical Classification Center in Coralville for a mental evaluation in June, and proceedings against him were suspended until the evaluation was complete.

Rud is charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving with a suspended license.

Sosalla set the trial for May 26 in Linn County District Court.

Rud is accused of driving a sport-utility vehicle recklessly on Nov. 25, 2012, near the intersection of 16th Avenue and 11th Street SW, unintentionally causing the death of his passenger, Jennifer Hopkins. She was ejected from SUV as it collided with another car, according to a criminal complaint. Hopkins died at the scene.

According to the complaint, Rud sped through two stop signs before hitting the other vehicle. Witnesses told police Rud left the scene. He was arrested later.

Rud has previous convictions for three drunken driving charges, fourth-degree theft and eluding, according to online court records.