Iowa Supreme Court Upholds $4.25 Million Verdict in Fatal Motorcycle Chase Case
DES MOINES, IA — On Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a $4.25 million wrongful death verdict related to a Dec. 10, 2020, motorcycle crash near Manchester, resulting in the death of Augustin “Gus” Mormann.
Mormann, a 17-year-old from Colesburg, died about a month after his motorcycle collided with a police cruiser during a high-speed chase. Authorities reported that Mormann reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour while fleeing from law enforcement. Lt. Jim Wessels pursued Mormann at high speeds and was involved in the crash.
According to court records, Mormann sustained severe injuries, including fractures to his cervical vertebrae, resulting in permanent paralysis. He was taken off life support after expressing his desire to his parents.
The city of Manchester and Lt. Wessels had appealed the lower court’s ruling, claiming errors in the proceedings. The Supreme Court dismissed their arguments, highlighting Wessels’s disregard for department policy and recklessly continuing the pursuit after it had been called off.
The ruling noted that evidence suggested Wessels intentionally struck Mormann’s motorcycle, causing the fatal injuries. “A reasonable jury could infer… that Wessels intentionally and with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others struck Mormann’s motorcycle,” the court stated.
Mormann’s family expressed relief at the outcome, with his father stating the decision affirms their pursuit of justice. His mother added hopes that the ruling would lead to policy changes in law enforcement practices.