A Medford man charged with vehicular homicide changed his plea to guilty Tuesday and is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday for driving his pickup last year while impaired, leading to the death of one passenger and causing injuries to another man and himself. 

Jonathan Craig Robinson, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants in connection to the April 10, 2022, crash that killed Shawn David Munro, 30, and injured William Crittendon Knoke. As part of Robinson’s plea, charges of first-degree manslaughter and reckless driving were dismissed. 

Around 2 a.m. on the morning of the crash, Robinson was driving more than 70 mph in a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado quad cab pickup, with Munro and Knoke as passengers, before it crashed into a tree near the intersection of Crater Lake Avenue and Roberts Road, according to previous news reports. While Robinson was airlifted to Portland for medical care and Knoke was sent to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, Munro died at the scene of the crash.

Robinson was expected to face a jury Wednesday, but since changing his plea, his only other expected court appearance is for sentencing, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

With Robertson’s plea, he won’t have to face the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison for first-degree manslaughter. But according to Measure 11 guidelines, he could face six years and three months in prison for second-degree manslaughter or five years and 10 months for second-degree assault.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Paul Moser allowed Robinson to be released on his own recognizance from the Jackson County Jail to allow him to see his child prior to sentencing. Robinson is not allowed to operate a vehicle or purchase alcohol while he is out of jail.

Moser issued some cautionary words to Robinson Tuesday prior to his release. 

“There is no place you can go that the U.S. Marshal won’t find you — and find you fast,” the judge warned.  

Two members of Munro’s family, who declined to be identified, spoke during Tuesday’s hearing. 

“My brother was an amazing driver,” said Munro’s sister, who noted that he could drive numerous types of vehicles and that he did not live long enough to teach his extended family how to drive when they were old enough. 

Munro’s sister added that while so much time was spent negotiating a plea deal for Robinson, “we’re sentenced to a lifetime of pain” with the loss of Munro. 

A male relative of Munro called Robinson’s actions “reckless” and said the devastation the late man’s family is facing is bigger than any of them could imagine. 

“Maybe you can think about that while you’re in there,” the family member said. “I pray that you can come out a better man.”