Douglas County prosecutors have filed formal charges against the driver involved in a deadly motorcycle crash Monday night.
Joseph Madej faces felony motor vehicle homicide and driving under the influence causing serious injury charges. Witnesses told police Madej was driving westbound on Madison Street when he ran a stop sign at 41st Street, and hit Daniel McDonald's motorcycle. McDonald died at the scene. His wife Patricia McDonald suffered several fractures and remains in the hospital.
Police say a drug recognition expert examined Madej and determined he was under the influence of marijuana. Madej also admitted he had taken prescription medicine as well. Madej has two separate drug possession charges pending in Douglas and Sarpy Counties and was free on bond on those charges when the crash happened. He's being held on a bond hold until a judge reviews his bond. Madej will make his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon.
Motor vehicle homicide is a Class 2A felony which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a 15 year license revocation. DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury is a Class 3A felony which carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison and a 15 year license revocation.
