Astoria, OR – A 54-year-old California man has been sentenced to more than 48 years in prison following a fatal crash in May 2023 that killed seven farmworkers. Lincoln Smith was convicted of seven counts of second-degree manslaughter and three counts of third-degree assault after a trial in February 2025. On March 5, 2025, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office announced that Smith was sentenced to 579 months (approximately 48 years and 3 months) in prison, to be served consecutively without the possibility of reduced sentencing.
The charges stemmed from a tragic incident on May 18, 2023, when Smith crashed his commercial truck into a van parked along Interstate 5 in Oregon. The crash killed Juan Carlos Leyva-Carrillo, Gabriel Juarez-Tovilla, Alejandra Espinoza-Carpio, Eduardo Lopez-Lopez, Luis Enrique Gomez-Reyes, Alejandro Jimenez Hernandez, and Josue Garcia-Garcia, all of whom were farmworkers traveling in the van. Three others were seriously injured in the crash.
Smith, who had been traveling through Oregon from California, testified during his trial that he had used methamphetamine and cocaine the night before the crash while partying with hitchhikers he picked up during his trip. Toxicology results after the crash revealed that Smith’s blood tested positive for methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Despite feeling tired two hours before the crash, Smith did not stop to rest and fell asleep while driving the semi-truck, according to evidence presented at trial.
While Smith was acquitted of driving under the influence of intoxicants, the District Attorney’s Office emphasized that his actions—driving while impaired by drugs and fatigued—led to the tragic loss of life and severe injuries. The sentencing includes 75 months for each of the seven manslaughter charges and 18 months for each of the assault charges, which will all be served consecutively.
“This case highlights the devastating consequences of driving while impaired and fatigued,” said Marion County District Attorney. “The loss of life in this crash is immeasurable, and we hope this sentencing provides some sense of justice to the victims’ families and loved ones.”
The crash has sparked renewed conversations about road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. Advocates have called for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents, including more robust laws addressing fatigue-related accidents and impaired driving.
Smith’s sentence is a reminder of the critical responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle, especially one as large and dangerous as a commercial truck. Despite his defense in court, the impact of his actions on the victims’ families will be felt for years to come.
