Local News
NORTH TONAWANDA: Drunken driver takes deal in fatal crash
A teen accused of killing her boyfriend in a drunken driving crash in North Tonawanda last spring took a plea deal Wednesday in Niagara County Court.
Ashley M. Sullivan, 17, of Linden Avenue, pleaded guilty to DWI and vehicular manslaughter before Judge Matthew Murphy. The deal voids her right to a trial by jury and reduces the original charges against Sullivan, eliminating among other things two manslaughter charges.
She faces a maximum of four years in prison.
Murphy told Sullivan, who stood solemnly in plain clothes beside her attorney, Glen Murray, that he would consider statements by family members on both sides when deciding on the sentence. At a minimum, she faces 16 months behind bars.
Sullivan’s passenger, boyfriend Alex Rozicki, was killed when her car crashed into a four-foot square brick pillar in front of Deerwood golf course at 2:20 a.m. May 31. Sullivan was treated for minor injuries at DeGraff Memorial Hospital, where she submitted a blood sample.
In court Wednesday, county prosecutors said a blood test revealed Sullivan had a blood alcohol content of 0.13 percent.
As a prosecutor read a recap of the fateful scenario before the court attended by many of the victims relatives, he said Sullivan was traveling an estimated 56 mph along Sweeney St., which is posted as 30 mph. She began drifting right before over correcting and slamming into the pillar on the passenger side, killing Rozicki.
As part of the deal, Sullivan will not be eligible for youthful offender status. Before Murphy questioned her to establish that she was of sound mind in accepting the deal, Murray said: “My client intends to accept responsibility ...”
She admitted being drunk after leaving a party and losing control of the vehicle.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m. back in county court.
Contact reporter Neale Gulley at 693-1000, ext. 114.
- Local News
-
-
Person of interest sought
Tonawanda police want to question man following carjacking.
-
Driver ticketed in motorcycle crash
Man flew over handlebars upon impact.
-
Prison for former Falls mayor
Anello guilty of defrauding union pension fund, will have public corruption charges dismissed
-
One hurt in crash
Traffic was diverted at the intersection of Payne Avenue and Ward Road for about half an hour Thursday after a two-car accident at 7:11 p.m. sent one woman to DeGraff Hospital.
-
Wheatfield audit blasts officials
Inadequate oversight led to deficit situation and taxpayer-funded cell phones.
-
'Shear' standstill in Wheatfield
Driver uninjured, charged following accident that shut down boulevard for hours.
-
Herbs for life
Kenmore Mercy uses grant to start sustainable rooftop garden.
-
New device helps track texts and driving
New smartphone app creators hope to curb texting while driving.
-
Paladino's a confident man
Gubernatorial candidate speaks at chamber breakfast, shows little concern for opponents
-
Man in Tuesday crash said foot was stuck
No injuries reported in two unrelated city mishaps.
- More Local News Headlines
-
