Edgewood Woman Granted Trial in Fatal UTV Crash

An Edgewood woman who was sentenced last year for her role in a fatal UTV crash has been granted a trial.

Authorities say Hanna Meese was driving a UTV on May 2nd, 2021 on Woods Edge Drive in Edgewood when she lost control on a curve. Both she and her passenger, Jordan Cabalka of Edgewood, were ejected. Cabalka died at the scene. Meese suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 

Meese never had a trial, but was sentenced to ten years in prison in Delaware County District Court after pleading guilty to Homicide or Serious Injury by Vehicle, a Class C felony. 

Delaware County Attorney John Bernau says that conviction was recently set aside as the reviewing court believed the Judge who took the plea and sentenced Meese was too involved in plea negotiations instead of remaining completely impartial.

Meese’s trial is set for February 4th in Delaware County.