Drunk-driver avoids prison after killing pedestrian in Anoka County

A driver who was drunk when he struck two people in Columbia Heights, killing one, has avoided prison time.

Cody John Jazdzewski, 36, of Minneapolis, was sentenced Monday in Anoka County District Court to 364 days in jail – which can be served on work release – after he pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide over the crash on July 12, 2023.

He was sentenced to four years in prison as well, but this sentence has been stayed for five years, during which time he will be subject to supervised release that requires him to attend a sober support group once a week and submit to chemical abuse testing.

The complaint against Jazdzewski states he mounted the sidewalk on 39th Avenue Northeast, striking Carrie Lynn Rivero, 58, of Minneapolis, and James Junior Beller, 64, also of Minneapolis. Rivero died from her injuries, while Beller was severely injured.

A Minnesota State Trooper arrived at the scene to find Jazdzewski's car off the road, up against a tree, and heavily damaged.

Jazdzewski's eyes were bloodshot and watery. He was slurring his speech and had a strong odor of alcohol emitting from him, admitting he drank alcohol before driving. His blood-alcohol level taken at the scene was .131, one and a half times the legal limit.

Jazdzewski is currently being held in the Anoka County Jail and is expected to be released in April 2025.

Related: 22-year-old killed after suspected drunk-driver runs stop sign