By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
EL RENO – A semi-truck driver faces up to two years in prison and fines totaling up to $2,000 if convicted of causing a fatal crash in far west Canadian County.
Chickasha’s Cordele R. Brandon Sr., 69, was charged April 9 with two counts of negligent homicide by motor vehicle in Canadian County District Court.
The misdemeanor charge stems from a fatality traffic collision that occurred Sept. 23, 2023, on eastbound 40 just west of mile marker 109 in Geary. Each count is punishable by a $100-$1,000 fine and/or up to one year in prison.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Mathew Conway investigated the Canadian County crash.
Brandon was driving a 2021 Peterbilt semi-truck “in reckless disregard of others by failing to devote full time and attention to the roadway” when he collided with a 2020 Kia Soul, according to the charging document signed by Assistant District Attorney Emily Music.
Prosecutors allege the defendant’s actions caused the death of Kia driver Graciela Hawkins, 60, and front seat passenger Maria Daniel, 61.
Hawkins and Daniel, both of Weatherford, were pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The collision between the Peterbilt semi and Kia Soul caused the Kia to accelerate forward in a passenger-side, broad slide and strike the rear of a 2024 International semi-truck, according to a probable cause affidavit signed by trooper Conway.
A review of dash cam video revealed Brandon “was driving inattentively and failed to devote full attention to the traffic directly in front of him resulting in a multiple-vehicle collision” that left Hawkins and Daniel dead, the trooper’s court affidavit shows.
Canadian County Special Judge Charles Gass issued a warrant for Brandon’s arrest, setting bond at $10,000.
