On Monday, May 20, 2024, Ashley Marie Monroe, a 35-year-old woman from Perrinton, Michigan, was arraigned on multiple serious charges pertaining to a crash in Watertown Township that caused the deaths of two men and injured 14 others.
The horrific incident unfolded on the evening of Saturday, May 18. Monroe, accused of driving while intoxicated, allegedly hit a group of pedestrians on South Wacousta Road near Corrison Road and then left the scene according to reports.
Monroe, a pregnant mother of four, was detained by the police around three minutes post the accident. She now faces 11 felony charges, including two counts of operating while intoxicated (OWI) resulting in death, six counts of OWI causing serious injury, and several counts of failing to stop at the scene when at fault.
During the arraignment, Monroe denied the charges and chose to forgo a formal reading. Judge Michael Clarizio of the Clinton County District Court set her bail at $1 million, a sum twice as much as the prosecution requested.
Johnathan Esch, 30, from Grand Haven, and Daniel Harris, 42, from Grand Ledge, were identified as the deceased victims of the crash. A 38-year-old woman is still in critical condition, while 13 others, aged between two and 61, suffered non-critical injuries. Reports suggest that Monroe’s vehicle hit the group, mostly made up of family members, as they were walking along the road.
Evidence collected from Monroe’s vehicle by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office supports the allegations. Damage consistent with the crash was evident, and blood and tissue were found on her car. Officers also discovered a nearly empty bottle of Crown Royal and two prescription anti-depressant bottles in her possession. Monroe’s blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.183, well above the legal limit of 0.08.
In court, Monroe’s attorney highlighted her lack of a criminal past, her lifelong residence in Michigan, and her responsibilities as a mother to four children, aged 13, 11, seven, and one. However, the judge emphasized the serious nature of the charges and the necessity of community safety, thus setting a high bail amount.
The incident has left the community in shock. Local resident, Debra Plichta, expressed this collective grief, stating, “When something like this happens in our community, we all grieve.” The accident has led to demands for better pedestrian safety measures in the locality.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, with help from local law enforcement and emergency services, continues its investigation into the incident. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office conveyed its condolences, “With heavy hearts, we pray for all individuals and families affected by this incident. We are here for all of you.”
Monroe is due to return to court on June 6 for a preliminary examination. The investigation is still ongoing, with the authorities working diligently to uncover more details about the events leading up to the crash.
