(Rural Clarke County, IA) — A southern Iowa man has changed his plea to guilty on two charges related to a November 2025 hit-and-run crash between a car and a horse-drawn buggy, that killed a teenager from Murray. On March 12, the date of 41-year-old Jacob Wright’s pretrial hearing, he appeared in court and changed his plea to guilty. Court records state he pleaded to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death/Serious Injury and Failure to Assist.

Wright’s car hit the buggy from behind on November 12, 2025, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Elmer Borntrager. Authorities had reported the car fled from the scene following the crash, leaving behind parts that were identified as belonging to a Chevy Cavalier. Wright was arrested following an investigation that lasted for nearly a month.

Wright was initially charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death/Serious Injury. An additional charge of Failure to Assist Resulting in Death was later filed. In late January 28, Wright entered a plea of not guilty to all three charges. His jury trial had been set to take place March 30^th.

On hearing on his case is now set to occur March 26^th. Wright remains in the Clarke County Jail, pending sentencing.