Haverhill woman pleads guilty to fatal OUI that killed friend, injured others

HAVERHILL, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A Haverhill woman pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the Dec. 3, 2011 motor vehicle crash that killed her friend Ashley Donahue and injured three others, a Middlesex District Attorney said.

Brooke Uttley, 23, pleaded guilty to charges of felony motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury. She was sentenced to three years in jail, with an additional one year in jail suspended for four years.

During her incarceration, Uttley must participate in AA, and upon her release, her license will be suspended for 15 years and she must undergo random screens for alcohol and drugs. She must also attend AA while on probation and complete community service.

Authorities responded to 3 Badger Road in Framingham at about 2:20 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2011 for reports of a motor vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, authorities determined the car had struck a telephone pole. While on scene, investigators were told that three occupants who had been in the car were at a nearby residence. They were transported to MetroWest Medical. One of the three surviving victims sustained serious injuries which has affected her mobility and caused her to lose vision in her right eye.

Authorities said they located Uttley in the woods behind a tree. She allegedly had difficulty standing, had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. She was transported by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

A short distance from the defendant, authorities found 20-year-old Ashley Donahue, 20, of Bridgewater. She had been ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Through their investigation, authorities learned Uttley was going approximately 65 to 75 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone when she struck the pole.

Cox Media Group