LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A judge ordered Solomon Tessema to serve 30 days in jail this week in the case of a crash that killed motorcyclist Jordon Dodder.
Officials say Tessema ran a stop sign and hit and killed Dodder, who was on his motorcycle in 2025. Tessema’s attorney said his client was not impaired and called the incident a horrible accident.
Kelly Dodder, Jordon Dodder’s wife, said prosecutors told her about a plea deal they were going to offer Tessema that involved no jail time. She wasn’t happy and says people need to be held accountable for their actions.
Family members address the court
Jordon Dodder’s father told the judge he and his son understood each other as disabled veterans. Jordon served in Iraq and Afghanistan, while his father is a Gulf War veteran. He said Jordon was a big part of the family’s support system.
“And then when we lost him, I watched it start to unravel, and it’s been hard. And I only ask that the court serves justice for Jordon,” Dodder’s father said.
“He served his country, came home, and built a life. And deserved the opportunity to continue living that life. Instead, his life has ended because another driver failed to stop at a stop sign,” said Dodder’s sister-in-law Kathleen Brown.
“He was my hero. He was incredibly skilled at everything. I wanted to be just like him, every step of the way. He could shred on the guitar. He was an incredible skateboarder. He knew how to fight and practiced many various martial arts. And he always looked cool,” said Jordon’s brother Derek Dodder.
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Judge asked Dodder’s widow questions during impact statement
Judge Joe Bonaventure spoke directly to Kelly Dodder during her impact statement.
“You seem a little frustrated with this process,” the judge said. “I know you’re frustrated…it took months. This is typical. Until recently, in Nevada, this would not even have been a criminal offense. But the laws have changed. The legislature recognized. You’ve mentioned traffic incidents in our community. And you want justice. You want justice not only for your family. But do you think a jail sentence would send a message to the community? Is that what you think?” said the judge to Kelly Dodder.
“I truly do. I have spoken to news outlets. I’ve spoken to city councilmen, police officers. And as much as we get the message out there, and we’re trying to do better, and we’re building coalitions of police groups and handing out more tickets. I think it’s falling on deaf ears unless there’s accountability,” Dodder said.
Tessema also spoke in court.
“I’m deeply sorry. I apologize,” Tessema said.
Judge orders Tessema into custody
The judge ordered Tessema to jail, giving him a 30-day sentence. He could have given Tessema six months in jail
The judge said he had to consider that Tessema is remorseful, is employed to take care of his four children, and has no criminal history, including no traffic history. Tessema’s attorney said he was not impaired at the time and wanted no jail time.
“I think the most convincing thing I heard is from Kelly. There has to be a message to the community. It can’t be tolerated,” the judge said.
Tessema bowed to the family before being taken into custody.
“Nothing that I do is going to help you, is going to bring him back. You want justice. I appreciate that,” the judge said.
Dodder was asked outside court whether justice was served.
“The only justice, if it was served, would be to have my husband back. That can’t happen. I do think accountability was shown today. I think that that’s the first step in making changes in Las Vegas,” Dodder said.
Along with the 30-day sentence, Tessema must stay out of trouble for a year, including no traffic offenses. If he violates conditions of release, he’ll have to serve the full six-month sentence.
Kelly Dodder was also frustrated with prosecutors, saying they didn’t notify the family of a guilty plea and sentencing, which was set to happen at a previous hearing. Dodder says there was no way Tessema could be sentenced without other family members present to give impact statements. Tessema’s sentencing ended up being continued to allow the family to be present in court and speak.
FOX5 asked the District Attorney’s Office for a response to that.
“It is true that our office made a mistake. The assigned prosecutor was unavailable and the new prosecutor failed to notify the victim’s family of the sentencing date. There were certainly discussions of the settlement prior to the date the defendant plead guilty. It is true the sentencing date had to be continued so the victim’s family could provide an impact statement and so that justice could be served,” said a public information officer for the District Attorney’s Office.
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