Driver Facing Two Manslaughter Charges Handed Back to Oregon

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents returned Rajinder Kumar to Deschutes County authorities on October 20. Kumar faces two counts of first-degree manslaughter and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. He is accused of killing William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Lower in a highway wreck.

Kumar, 32, is a semi-truck driver from India. He entered the United States near Lukeville, Arizona, on November 28, 2022. Border Patrol officers apprehended him at the border. He was released into the country under the Biden administration pending removal proceedings. He later received federal work authorization and a California commercial driver's license.

The collision occurred on November 24, 2025, on U.S. Highway 20. Kumar allegedly jackknifed his tractor-trailer across both lanes of traffic. The couple's Subaru Outback struck the vehicle. Both passengers, who had been married for 16 days, died at the scene. William Carter was 25. Jennifer Lower was 24.

A Deschutes County grand jury indicted Kumar. He pleaded not guilty in state court. A dispute arose between federal and local authorities regarding his custody. ICE lodged an immigration detainer requesting notification before his release. County corrections officials declined to honor the request on April 2. They released Kumar under Oregon's state sanctuary policies.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations agents in Seattle arrested Kumar on April 22. He was held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. Federal removal proceedings were initiated while he remained in custody. Federal officials paused those deportation proceedings to allow state prosecutors to pursue criminal charges first.

Video from the ICE VOICE office shows Elizabeth Carter, William's mother, speaking to Kumar earlier this month. The meeting took place at the passenger window of an ICE vehicle. Carter told Kumar, "I wanted you to know that I pray for you and your family, I know you didn't get up that morning planning to kill two newlyweds."

ICE ERO Seattle Acting Field Office Director Julio Hernandez stated that the transfer ensures Kumar answers for the charges. "Two Americans lost their lives, and their families deserve accountability," Hernandez said. The agency said the coordinated action supports the victims' families and prevents the accused from evading justice.

Criminal trial proceedings are pending in Deschutes County Circuit Court. Federal deportation proceedings remain on hold until the state case concludes.