Pregnant mother accused of driving drunk and hitting 16 victims, killing 2

WACOUSTA, Mich. (TCD) -- A pregnant mother faces 11 counts after allegedly driving while intoxicated and hitting a group of 16 pedestrians over the weekend, injuring at least seven young kids and killing two adults.

According to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, on Saturday, May 18, at approximately 6:25 p.m., deputies responded to Wacousta Road to a report of a hit-and-run. A female driver, later identified by deputies as 35-year-old Ashley Monroe, allegedly struck the group of pedestrians on the shoulder of the road and was taken into custody.

According to WJBK-TV, officials arrested Monroe around three minutes after the incident. The pregnant mother of four reportedly had a nearly empty bottle of Crown Royal whiskey, as well as multiple prescription bottles. Her alcohol level tested more than twice the legal limit, and investigators discovered blood, hair, and other evidence in her vehicle following her arrest, WJBK reports.

In an update, authorities said two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, including 30-year-old Jonathan Esch and 42-year-old Daniel Harris. Multiple victims were transported to hospitals, and they ranged in age from 2 to 61 years old. Eight victims have been released. As of May 19, six remain hospitalized with one 38-year-old woman still in critical condition.

On Monday, May 20, Monroe appeared in court for her arraignment on two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, two counts of failure to stop at scene of accident when at fault causing death, six counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, and one count of failure to stop at scene of accident resulting in serious impairment or death. She reportedly pleaded not guilty, and her bond was set at $1 million.

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