Utah Driver Faces Manslaughter Charges in Carbon Monoxide Deaths of Three Disabled Men
In a devastating incident in West Valley City, Utah, three disabled men have tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning after being left unattended in a running vehicle for an extended period. The victims, identified as Colton Moser, 25, Mosa'ati Moa, 22, and Tim Jones, 39, were residents of three separate assisted living facilities, according to police statements.
Driver Accused of Negligence Leading to Fatal Poisoning
Isaiah Pulu, a 25-year-old transportation employee, has been formally charged with three counts of manslaughter and two counts of aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult. Pulu, who worked for a business specializing in transporting disabled individuals, allegedly left the men in a running van inside a garage for at least one hour, with reports suggesting the duration may have extended up to three and a half hours.
Police responded to an emergency call at an apartment complex, which was later confirmed to be the driver's residence, following reports of three individuals who were unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival, officers discovered the three adult men deceased inside the vehicle, which had been left running with the occupants still inside.
Timeline of the Tragic Event Reveals Disturbing Details
According to official police statements and court documents reviewed by local media, the incident occurred around lunchtime on February 6. The driver reportedly stopped at his own home, went inside, and left the three disabled men in the running vehicle while he ate lunch and watched television. Pulu claims to have returned to the vehicle one to two hours later, only to find all three men deceased from carbon monoxide exposure.
Sam Johnson, Director of Communications for West Valley City, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating, "It's such a tragedy," while noting that details remain limited as the investigation is still in its early stages. The exact destination of the transportation at the time of the incident has not been disclosed by authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Isaiah Pulu is currently being held at the Salt Lake County Jail as legal proceedings move forward. This case highlights critical safety concerns regarding the transportation of vulnerable adults and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly during winter months when such risks can be exacerbated by enclosed spaces like garages.
The community and assisted living facilities involved are grappling with the loss, as police continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding this preventable tragedy. The charges underscore the serious legal consequences for negligence in caregiving roles, especially when it results in fatal outcomes for those in vulnerable situations.
