Des Moines police release names of three teenagers killed in high-speed crash

DES MOINES, IOWA — Authorities are releasing the names of three teenagers killed in a serious crash in Des Moines earlier this week. Jamarion Jackson, 18, and Eric Vortes, Jr. and James “JT” Taylor III, both 15, were killed when their car was thrown through the air and struck a tree Wednesday afternoon. Another 18-year-old remains in critical condition in the hospital.

According to Des Moines police, an officer in an unmarked vehicle spotted the teens in a car that had been reported stolen in McRae Park. Police say the teens apparently noticed an officer watching them and sped out of the park. Police say the teens left the park heading east on Davis Avenue and disregarded the stop sign at SW 9th Street. Just a few blocks later, the car struck a curb, was thrown through the air and struck a tree — ejecting all four teens from the car.

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others died at local hospitals. The fourth passenger remains in critical condition in the hospital. The name of that person has not been released.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.