Jarnagin sentenced to 14 years in manslaughter, heroin trafficking case

A longtime drug addict with an extensive criminal history who killed a girl by ramming his pickup into a motorcycle near Rathdrum last year will spend at least five years behind bars.

After more than an hour of testimony in a Coeur d’Alene courtroom Tuesday, First District Judge Scott Wayman agreed with the recommendation of prosecutors when he sentenced Varsel Jarnagin, 41, to between five and 14 years in prison for one count of trafficking heroin and one count of vehicular manslaughter.

Jarnagin was accused of being under the influence of drugs last year when he hit a motorcycle stopped at the intersection of Meyer and Lancaster roads on June 16.

“It wasn’t just a stop sign,” deputy prosecutor Stanley Mortensen told the court Monday. “It had flashing beacons. Road conditions were perfect. It was a clear day.”

The crash vaulted Alexa N. Mrgich, 23, of Hayden, and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Tre Cameron, more than 70 feet across the intersection into a field. Mrgich died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Jarnagin wasn’t immediately arrested. He told deputies he had fallen asleep behind the wheel of his 2007 GMC pickup truck. Less than a month after the crash, Jarnagin was arrested when he dumped a bag of heroin into a trash bin at the Stateline Walmart after being confronted by police.

He pleaded guilty to trafficking heroin and vehicular manslaughter earlier this year as part of a plea agreement in which several additional drug charges were dismissed.

Jarnagin’s criminal history in Kootenai County goes back two decades. Before the crash he had already been booked into the Kootenai County Jail more than 20 times on drug and assault charges and spent time in prison, authorities said.

Cameron told the court Monday that whatever the outcome of the hearing, his family and Mrgich’s loved ones were already doing time.

“We were all given a life sentence that day,” Cameron said.

Mrgich’s mother, Chloe Westwood, echoed the sentiment.

“I shouldn’t be here today,” Westwood said. “No one should have to be here, ever. This is just never going to be something that is rectified.”

Jarnagin’s friends and family members said the incident changed the accused from being a selfish drug addict to a person who wants to help others to make positive changes in their lives.

Jarnagin told Mrgich’s family he would trade places with Mrgich if given the chance.

I know I turned your world upside down, Jarnagin said. “If I could, I would change places with her in a heartbeat.”

Wayman said Jarnagin had many opportunities to change his own life in the past two decades but did not attempt it, or he failed.

“You had multiple opportunities to correct your behavior,” Wayman said. “Nothing worked.”

He sentenced Jarnagin to five years fixed and nine years indeterminate for heroin trafficking, and five years fixed and five years indeterminate on the manslaughter charge. He also ordered $15,000 in fines.

“It’s due right now,” Wayman said.

When asked how Jarnagin would pay the fine, Wayman recommended a prison job.

“He can work,” Wayman said. “He has the ability to work.”