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Driver charged, kept in custody in fatal accident

Authorities have filed charges against the driver of a pickup involved in a Henderson crash that killed a teenage girl last month.

David Jensen, the 16-year-old driver, faces one charge of involuntary manslaughter and two charges of reckless driving in connection with the Nov. 14 crash that killed 15-year-old Olivia Hyten, a Coronado High School sophomore who was a passenger in Jensen's truck.

Jensen, in shackles and an orange sweatshirt, appeared with his parents at his side in Family Court Judge William Voy's courtroom Friday morning for a detention hearing.

Voy ordered Jensen to remain in custody at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been since Thursday. Jensen is scheduled to enter a plea on the charges Dec. 15.

Authorities have said Jensen was street racing with 16-year-old Michael Mosley, the son of District Judge Donald Mosley, when the crash occurred on Grand Hills Drive, near Eastern Avenue and Sun City Anthem Drive, at the southern end of the valley.

Michael Mosley, who was arrested the night of the crash on suspicion of drunken driving and possessing a spring-loaded knife, was released and placed on house arrest late last month. It was unclear on Friday whether he would face charges.

Donald Mosley last month disputed what he called "misinformation" in the case, saying three teen witnesses gave statements that there was no street race.

Donald Mosley also has said his son's blood-alcohol level was 0.026 percent, which was the equivalent of consuming less than one beer.

There was no evidence of drug or alcohol use by Jensen on the night of the crash, authorities said.

Jensen remained free after the crash until Thursday.

"This young man has had the benefit of having Thanksgiving with his family, being with his family and moving on with his life," Deputy District Attorney Mary Brown said in court. "There's another family in this room who has not had that benefit."

Family members and friends of Hyten also attended Friday's 10-minute hearing.

Teresa Brandise, Hyten's mother, said afterward that Voy "did the right thing" by keeping Jensen in custody.

"If I were his (Jensen's) mother, I would tell him, 'You have to pay the price for what you did. Step up to the plate.'"

Jensen's parents declined to comment through the family's attorney.

Jensen is a good student who has had no contact with the juvenile justice system previously, the attorney, William Terry, said in court while arguing for the teen's release.

"This is not the normal type of individual you see ... before the juvenile court system," Terry said.

Contact reporter Lynnette Curtis at lcurtis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0285.

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