A speeding Minnesota state trooper has been charged with manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide in the death of an 18-year-old high school cheerleader who was killed shortly before her graduation.
A Minnesota state trooper is facing charges of manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, and multiple counts of criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm after a high-speed crash that killed an 18-year-old high school cheerleader shortly before her graduation.
According to court documents, Trooper Shane Roper, 32, allegedly hit speeds as high as 135 mph - 99 mph over the speed limit - without his lights and sirens during one of the four times he was speeding on May 18 before blasting the side of the Ford Focus.
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
Oliva Flores, who was in the passenger seat of the Focus, was killed in the crash. Five others were injured but survived.
Roper has a "documented history of shocking, dangerous and unlawful driving conduct while on duty," according to a statement from the law firm representing Flores' family. The firm said Roper had been disciplined for four previous crashes "due to excessive speed, inattentive driving, or both."
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
The Rochester Police Department released a statement on Facebook after the fatal crash, saying that Roper "violating his duty in such a gross fashion, caused the death of a young lady celebrating her impending graduation from high school."
"Several other persons suffered serious injuries. Roper’s conduct violated the State Patrol’s Core Values. As with any other person driving recklessly and without regard to very basic rules of the road, Mr. Roper’s conduct cannot be tolerated."
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic expressed condolences to Flores' family and those affected by the crash and said Roper is on paid leave while the case plays out over the "concerning" allegations.
Flores' family said in a statement that they are "learning they lost their only daughter in a car crash that was no accident is a new level of pain."
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
"To say they had to relive it all over again is a gross understatement. An accident you can forgive in time, but gross repeated negligence is another story. This was 100% preventable. The question of why hangs in the air constantly, and it’s a question they will never get the answer to."
Flores was a cheerleader at Owatonna High School and was spending time with her friends when she was killed.
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
Her death "rocked the community," said photographer Amber Will, who shared photos with Fox News Digital of Flores in her cheer uniform and glamour shots for her senior pictures.
"I had the pleasure of taking Olivia’s senior portraits," Will told Fox News Digital. "Even in that short amount of time, it was obvious she was a vibrant and sweet girl, who was also lots of fun."
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
"Seeing the outpouring of love and grief from our community in response to this tragedy is a testament to the many people who knew and loved her."
Roper's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
Reckless Trooper Charged with Manslaughter and Death of High School Cheerleader
