Todays News

Defendants in two fatal Marshalltown crash cases plead guilty

Defendants who were involved in a pair of separate fatal accidents in Marshalltown in the fall of 2025 have both pleaded guilty with sentencing hearings now scheduled, according to court records.

Boe Meh, 20, of Marshalltown has pleaded guilty as charged to a single count of homicide by vehicle -- reckless driving, a Class C felony, for her role in a fatal accident at the intersection of East Olive Street and South 12th Avenue on Oct. 19, 2025 that claimed the life of Kiana Zamora.

According to a criminal complaint filed on Jan. 24, the defendant "drove and crashed the listed vehicle in a reckless manner, which caused the death of the victim."

"The victim was a backseat passenger in the vehicle. A thorough investigation showed that the defendant left Mi Ranchito Bar with four other passengers. The defendant drove at high speeds on East Olive St. next to another vehicle, failed to stop at two stop signs, and failed to stop at a stop light just prior to the crash," it reads. "When the vehicle crashed, it crashed into the Marshall County Fairgrounds sign. Data from the vehicle showed that the defendant’s vehicle reached a high of 90.7 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. The defendant admitted to being the driver of the listed vehicle. The surviving passengers also corroborated that the defendant was the driver at the time of the crash. Surveillance video was obtained of the crash and speeding."

Meh's sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. at the Marshall County Courthouse. She is not currently in custody at the Marshall County Jail.

The other case involves Edgar Yepez Diaz, 37, of Marshalltown, who was charged with homicide by vehicle -- reckless driving, knowingly leaving the scene of an accident causing death and child endangerment last November after the death of 30-year-old Melanie Nelson at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Main Street on Nov. 1, 2025.

According to the criminal complaint, the defendant "operated a motor vehicle recklessly and while doing so caused death."

"Defendant was operating a motor vehicle at excessive speeds showing disregard for the safety of persons and traffic. Defendant was seen on security footage prior to incident operating vehicle at excessive speed and after the incident," it reads. "Witnesses were able to corroborate the defendant’s reckless driving. Defendant admitted to driving (the) vehicle and striking an object. (The) defendant struck a pedestrian and fled the scene. (The) victim was later pronounced deceased due to injuries."

The plea agreement indicates that Yepez Diaz will plead guilty to a single count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class C felony, while the other two charges will be dismissed.

The state is recommending a 10-year prison sentence with credit for time served, a $1,370 fine with a 15 percent surcharge and victim restitution assessed to the defendant. A sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. Yepez Diaz remains in custody at the Marshall County Jail.