Wrong-way driver appears in court

COEUR d'ALENE — Ryan J. Turner made his first court appearance Monday for three counts of felony vehicular manslaughter relating to a head-on crash on U.S. 95 on Sept. 12.

Turner, 27, who recently purchased a home in Spirit Lake and had been living in Hayden, was taken into custody on Friday, according to the Idaho State Police. He was being held Monday at the Kootenai County jail.

Turner appeared by video link before Judge Eugene Marano, who set his bond at $100,000. The prosecution sought a $500,000 bond, based on the evidence against him and his risk to the community if he is released.

Kootenai County Deputy Prosecutor David Robins told the judge a beer can was allegedly found in a 2011 Chevy Silverado truck Turner was driving at the time of the accident and he also allegedly confessed to drinking beer before the accident, which killed a father and his two young daughters. An initial blood alcohol test showed he was over the limit.

Killed in the accident were Mathew-Michael T. Baroni, 33; Madilyn Baroni, 8; and Molly Baroni, 6, all of Spokane.

Turner, who has no prior criminal history, faces up to 45 years of prison time.

Turner was a foreman for Cobra Building Envelope Contractors, which has offices in Spokane. The Mt. Spokane High School grad is married and has 4-year-old daughter.

Mike Baroni was driving his 1997 Dodge Caravan southbound on Sept. 12 when he encountered Turner traveling northbound in the southbound lane. They collided south of Athol at milepost 448.

Turner was taken to Kootenai Health. Mike, Madilyn and Molly Baroni died at the scene.

Turner's defense attorney said Monday that Turner suffered a fracture in his back and was on pain medication, but he was able to walk during his hearing.