OMAHA — Prosecutors filed to upgrade charges against a 28-year-old man accused of driving under the influence in a crash that killed two children last week, the Douglas County Attorney’s Office confirmed Thursday.
Tanner Hunt is now expected to be charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence after 5-year-old Zaiden Strassenburg died from injuries sustained in the crash. Earlier, 10-year-old Prestin Strassenburg had been pronounced dead following the collision near 114th Street and West Center Road.
What changes for the defendant and the case
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine told reporters the office filed the amendment to add the second count after the younger boy’s death. The amendment will be formally presented at a court hearing on Monday.
"We already filed one count of motor vehicle homicide for one young boy and we're filing a second one now that the other boy has passed," Kleine said.
A judge has ordered Hunt to have no contact with the victims or their family. Court orders also specify Hunt will be placed on GPS monitoring and enrolled in the county's 24/7 sobriety program if he is able to post bond.
Evidence and criminal exposure
Police and prosecutors say the impact of the collision was extreme: the victims’ Subaru Impreza was split in half after being struck by an eastbound Chevrolet Malibu. Court documents show Hunt’s vehicle was traveling at 98 miles per hour one second before impact.
Prosecutors say Hunt had a blood alcohol reading of .095. Records uncovered by KETV Investigates indicate this is not his first DUI-related matter; additional background is included in court filings.
- Charges: two counts of motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence
- Possible penalties: up to 20 years on each count, which could total 40 years if maximums are imposed consecutively
- Related misdemeanor charges: no proof of insurance, driving with a revoked license, refusal to submit to testing
Local impact and next steps
The crash has prompted a visible outpouring at the intersection, where a growing memorial for the two boys has been placed. The amended charge will be presented to a judge at a Monday hearing, at which prosecutors will seek formal permission to change the indictment.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 9 | Crash near 114th & West Center involving Subaru Impreza and Chevrolet Malibu; Prestin Strassenburg later dies |
| Following week | Zaiden Strassenburg dies of injuries; prosecutors move to add second motor vehicle homicide count |
| Monday | Scheduled court hearing on amended charges |
Attorney Kleine noted the range of penalties available under state law and said sentencing could increase under circumstances such as a prior DUI conviction. Prosecutors obtained a legal warrant for Hunt’s blood and urine; reports say Hunt refused to provide samples.
Hunt is scheduled to appear in court Monday for the amended charge. Omaha residents with concerns about traffic safety at the intersection or the broader roadside safety implications can expect additional updates from local law enforcement and the county attorney’s office as the case proceeds.
