DUBUQUE, Iowa — Kaylynn Mae Knight, 27, of Maquoketa, has been convicted of Homicide by Vehicle – Reckless Driving in Dubuque County District Court (Case No. 01311 FECR161470).

Judge Monica L. Zrinyi Ackley issued the criminal verdict on May 12, 2026, following a minutes-of-testimony trial. In this streamlined bench proceeding, the judge reaches a verdict based primarily on case summaries, police reports, and submitted evidence rather than a full jury trial. Knight waived her right to a jury trial on April 22, 2026.

According to the verdict and criminal complaint, the fatal crash occurred on August 11, 2025. Knight was driving southbound on Highway 61 while using her cell phone. She struck and killed 26-year-old semi-truck driver Jayseth Paul at approximately 73 mph without braking. Paul had pulled his truck onto the shoulder to secure his cargo.

Recent Court Filings

•  May 13, 2026: Judge Zrinyi Ackley issued an order for a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for June 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Dubuque County Court.

•  April 28, 2026: Amended and substituted minutes of testimony were filed.

This article is an original summary based directly on publicly available court records and official case details. Proceedings remain ongoing until sentencing is completed.