Truck Driver Involved in Deadly Crash to be Deported to India, Avoid Trial

TACOMA, Was. (KTVZ) -- The truck driver involved in a deadly crash near Brothers that killed a newlywed couple will be deported to India, avoiding trial.

Rajinder Kumar, an undocumented immigrant from India, was involved in the fatal car crash in November of 2025. William Carter and Jennifer Lower were killed in the crash.

This week, Kumar's detention hearing was held, prior to answering to felony charges in Deschutes County. His case was scheduled to go trial is January 2027.

Investigators say Kumar's semi-truck jackknifed across Highway 20, blocking the roadway outside Brothers. According to the family, the truck was stretched across the highway with no warning lights, flares, cones or emergency signals to alert approaching drivers.

The family tells KTVZ News they are devastated by today's news.

Senator Merkley's office was able to help them provide victim impact statements for the judge to consider. The family was not allowed to attend the hearing through digital means. In addition, the family was told to call the courthouse every 30 minutes and they were told to keep waiting. Following the hearing, the website was updated with the order for removal.

You can watch their story with KTVZ News here.