Driver faces second-degree murder indictment

PALMER -- A 21-year-old Wasilla man has been indicted for second-

degree murder in connection with

the December 2002 death of Arthur Leucken III.

A grand jury returned the finding against Matthew A. Olson on Wednesday. It carries a possible sentence of 10 to 99 years in prison, and a fine of up to $500,000.

Olson also is charged with first-degree assault, third-degree assault, driving under the influence and minor consuming or possessing alcohol.

He was driving a car that swerved off a curve on Fairview Loop, hitting an electric power pole. Leucken was in the front passenger seat and died at the scene. District Attorney Roman Kalytiak said there were several young people in the car, including one in the trunk.

Olson and 20-year-old Adam Kimball of Wasilla were taken to Valley Hospital, where they were listed in serious condition after the 1:40 a.m. accident on Dec. 19.

The speed limit was 25 mph where the car skidded off the road.

"Evidence showed he exceeded that by a large amount," Kalytiak said Friday. "The power pole snapped in two."

Passengers Nicholas McDaniel, 20, Carly Petal, 17, and Philip Leidholm, 16, who was riding in the trunk, were treated at Valley Hospital and released. Kimball, McDaniel and Petal were among those who testified last week before the grand jury.

Olson is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 12 in Superior Court in Palmer.

The first-degree murder charge alleges that Olson "knowingly engaged in conducted that resulted in the death of Arthur Luecken III under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life." It is an unclassified felony offense.

First-degree assault is a class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Third-degree assault is a class C felony that carries a possible five years in prison.

Matanuska Electric Association workers were called to take care of live wires on the ground after the crash.

It occurred one day before Alaska State Troopers began Operation CARE, a federally funded program aimed at reducing incidents of drunk driving. The program provided money for 300 extra hours of overtime at the Palmer trooper post. Extra patrols were to run through Jan. 4.