Kalynn Settle, a 30-year-old woman from Colorado, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for her role in a fatal DUI car crash that took the life of 41-year-old Aaron Barone. Settle previously pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and possession of a controlled substance (cocaine).
The Incident
The tragic incident occurred on June 14, 2025, at the intersection of North Seventh Street and Bunting Avenue in Grand Junction, Colorado. Settle, who was behind the wheel, struck Barone, who was riding a motorcycle, resulting in his death.
At the scene, Settle initially told police that she had stopped to help, claiming to be a registered nurse, and suggested that a “Mexican lady” was the one who hit the motorcycle. However, officers observed blood and what appeared to be human flesh on the front of Settle’s car. After smelling alcohol on her breath, police requested sobriety tests, which she refused.
Investigation and Discovery
Following her refusal to take sobriety tests, police obtained warrants to search her vehicle and draw her blood. In the car, officers discovered alcohol, prescription medication, a burnt glass pipe, a baggie of white powder, and a small circular container of a white crystal-like substance.
The white powder tested positive for ketamine, and the crystal substance tested positive for cocaine. Settle’s blood test later confirmed the presence of cocaine and alcohol in her system.
When arrested for DUI, Settle reportedly said, “Good luck with that.” However, during her sentencing hearing, she expressed remorse, tearfully admitting, “On that day, I made a choice I can never undo.”
Sentencing
21st Judicial District Judge JenniLynne Lawrence sentenced Settle to six years in prison for vehicular homicide and one year in prison for drug possession, with the sentences to run concurrently. The court assessed that Settle’s refusal to take drug tests before the trial demonstrated a lack of accountability, consistent with the behavior of an addict avoiding responsibility.
At the hearing, Barone’s father addressed Settle, grieving the loss of his son. “He worked hard his entire life, only to have it cut short by an act of irresponsibility,” he said.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Prosecutor Joshua Dougherty pushed for a five- or six-year prison term, emphasizing that Settle had not shown true remorse for her actions, especially after missing several drug tests during the pretrial process.
Judge Lawrence indicated that she had originally considered issuing a sentence of community supervision instead of prison time, but was swayed by Settle’s failure to comply with drug testing requirements. The judge ultimately expressed hope that Settle could improve her future by making better choices while incarcerated.
