Categories: ThecounT

CHP: “Felony Committed” In Death Of Family Members Who Plunged Off CA Cliff – Speedometer “Pinned” At 90 MPH

California Highway Patrol investigators appear to be honing-in on the theory that the deaths of a family who plunged off a California cliff in their SUV may have been intentional.

15-year-old Devonte Hart, the boy who gained fame after being photographed hugging a cop during the 2014 Portland protests is believed to have been one of those killed in the crash.

Earlier in the week, Devonte was the subject of a CPS visit after he showed up to neighbors’ homes begging for food for himself and his siblings.

Now the CHP is revealing several facts about the case that seem to lean towards the horror accident being a possible murder-suicide.

Jennifer Jean Hart and Sarah Margaret Hart and at least three of their adopted children were killed after driver, Jennifer Hart careened off a cliff near Highway 1 in the Westport area of Mendocino County on Monday, according to deputies.

Their three other adopted children were believed to be in the car, according to deputies, but they have not been located.

“Based upon the California Highway Patrol investigation, it is their belief ‘a felony has been committed,’” the CHP said in court documents.

The SUV’s speedometer was “pinned” at 90 mph at the time of the crash that killed the Woodland family. Officers indicated the vehicle was “running and in motion” just prior to slamming the rocks below, according to records.

Court documents also show CHP investigators found no “acceleration marks, tire friction marks or braking furrow marks” at the scene, indicating the vehicle was not out of control and no effort was made to brake at the time of the crash.

Investigators said there was no evidence the car collided with the embankment as it “traversed towards the tidal zone below.”

A search warrant affidavit was granted in Clark County in connection with this investigation for items including travel itinerary, bank records, cell phone records, credit card billing statements, bank receipts, notes, journals and possible suicide notes.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services released a statement Wednesday confirming a case was opened regarding the family last Friday, as “the now-deceased children were identified as potential victims of alleged abuse or neglect.” source

THECOUNT.COM "ALWAYS OPEN! Since 2005!"

this is why i'm hot

View Comments

  • Is anybody really surprised it was a mass murder/suicide? These children were abused by this lesbian couple. There is a documented history of abuse and yet they were able to adopt even more children. If this was a straight white Christian couple the media would be in a frenzy demonizing them.

    • don't you feel like they are already in a frenzy and demonizing them? wtf is wrong with you.....clearly and awful human!

Recent Posts

Golf Superintendent Daniel Crumrine ID’d In Fatal Lawn Mower Accident

SPRINGFIELD, IL. (THECOUNT) — Daniel Crumrine, the Golf Course Superintendent for the Springfield Park District,…

10 hours ago

Tiger Woods Arrested In Friday Rollover Crash; Has Prior History Of Similar Crash Incident

JUPITER ISLAND, FL. (THECOUNT) — Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested Friday afternoon and charged…

10 hours ago

Four Ohio Young Adults ID’d As Victims In Wednesday Tiffin Quadruple-Fatal Crash

TIFFIN, OH. (THECOUNT) — Hermoiney Greenler, Madison Yates, Jonathan Bowling, and Alexzandria Hickle have all…

14 hours ago

IA Man Luqman Goher ID’d As Victim In Thursday Alabama Fatal Big-Rig Crash

LIVINGSTON, AL. (THECOUNT) — An Iowa truck driver was killed early Thursday morning when his…

15 hours ago

Chef Wallace Franklin Jr ID’d As Victim In Thursday Missouri Drowning

FULTON, Mo. (THECOUNT) — Wallace J. Franklin Jr., an accomplished executive chef and former Iowa…

15 hours ago

TX Teen Austin Reel ID’d As Victim In Thursday Lubbock Fatal Motorcycle Crash

LUBBOCK, TX. (THECOUNT) — A teenage motorcyclist was killed Thursday afternoon after his motorcycle struck…

16 hours ago