A Seeley man facing five felonies and one misdemeanor after he killed a Potomac woman while allegedly under the influence last year might agree to a plea deal, according to his defense attorney during a hearing in Missoula County Court last week.
Kerry Glen Drew, 68, killed one person and injured at least two Dec. 21 when he drove off the side of Highway 200 near mile marker 18, where Victoria E. Richardson, 61, was helping a stranded motorist in the snow.
Drew has been charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, negligent vehicular assault, criminal endangerment, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, tampering with physical evidence — all felonies. Drew was also charged with misdemeanor vehicular assault.
The combined penalties for the crimes come out to more than 80 years in prison. Drew has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Since his initial hearing, Drew has been freed on bail, which was $100,000. Drew’s next court date is his pretrial hearing on July 18.
A witness in one of the sidelined cars said Drew swerved off the side of the road and hit Richardson. Court documents said Richardson was sent more than 100 feet from the initial impact. She died on the scene.
Drew then hit the stranded car, with a woman inside and a man underneath attaching a tow rope. Both sustained serious injuries, according to court documents. Another motorist on the scene received minor injuries.
Court documents state that Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wes Whitlatch “observed [Drew] had a pale and dazed expression on his face, had features that appeared sunken, and had poor oral hygiene all consistent with methamphetamine use.”
“[Drew] initially stated he believed he saw an oncoming vehicle encroach toward his lane, steered off the right, and thought he struck another vehicle,” court documents state. “The pickup had its headlights on. Trooper Whitlatch noted in his experience unimpaired drivers can determine whether a car is stopped or passing in the oncoming traffic lane.”
As the crash investigation continued, Trooper Whitlatch asked a series of questions. Drew stated he would test positive for methamphetamine, and he used methamphetamine that morning, court documents state.
Trooper Whitlatch was also advised by two other individuals, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputy, and a Potomac Fireman, that Drew “is a known methamphetamine user.”
Court documents said Missoula County jail found a crystalline substance in his sock when he was processed.
Both Drew’s blood and the found substance has been tested. While the results of his blood work are still private, Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst said the substance found in the jail did test positive for meth.
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