Woman faces vehicular homicide charges
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
A St. Ignatius woman driving while under the influence of alcohol is charged with causing a fatal car wreck. Darlene Lesage, 67, entered a plea of not guilty at District Court in Polson on Dec. 10 to vehicular homicide while under the influence.
According to court records, on Sept. 11, Lesage was northbound on U. S. Highway 93 when the black Mazda she was driving crossed the center line and into the path of oncoming traffic, which caused a collision with a southbound vehicle.
A passenger in the southbound vehicle suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Missoula. The passenger was airlifted to a hospital in Seattle but later died of her injuries on Oct. 2. Lesage was also transported to the hospital after the incident.
A blood draw from Lesage, taken shortly after the crash, showed her blood alcohol content at .122, well past the legal limit of .008.
Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set a trial date for April 12.
