Watertown Township, MI – A Michigan mother of five, Ashley Monroe, has been sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree murder and multiple counts of driving while intoxicated causing serious injury. Monroe, 36, was behind the wheel when she crashed into a group of 16 pedestrians, killing two men and injuring several others in May 2024.
The Incident: Pregnant Driver Slams into Pedestrians, Killing Two
The tragic incident occurred on May 18, 2024, just before 6:30 p.m., when Ashley Monroe, who was pregnant at the time, drove her vehicle into a group of 16 pedestrians on South Wacousta Road, near Corrison Road, in Watertown Township, about 15 miles northwest of Lansing.
The victims were walking from a family home to a nearby park, a route they had taken many times before. However, their day of fun turned into an unimaginable tragedy when Monroe, who had a blood alcohol content of 0.183—more than twice the legal limit—barreled down the road and struck the group.
Johnathan Esch, a 30-year-old firefighter, and 42-year-old Daniel Harris, both brothers-in-law, were killed in the crash. The other 14 victims, ranging in age from 2 to 61, were rushed to the hospital with varying degrees of injury, nine of them suffering serious harm.
Investigation and Evidence: Intoxicated and Fleeing the Scene
Following the crash, Monroe did not stop to render aid. Instead, she fled the scene, driving away from the horrific accident. Clinton County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended Monroe just three minutes later, finding her car with severe front-end damage and evidence of the crash, including hair, blood, and tissue from the victims.
Prosecutors revealed that Monroe had a mostly empty bottle of Crown Royal in her purse, alongside two bottles of antidepressants. Investigators also discovered that she had chosen to drink while pregnant and drive, despite the extreme risk to herself and others.
Court Proceedings: Victims’ Families Speak Out
During Monroe’s two-hour sentencing hearing, the families of the victims gave powerful statements, expressing the devastating emotional toll the crash has had on their lives.
Erika Glatz, the wife of Johnathan Esch, addressed Monroe directly:
“Ashley, you made me a 28-year-old widow. I would have understood if you made a mistake. But, Ashley, this was not a mistake. You chose to drink while pregnant. You chose to drive. And perhaps most vile of all, you chose to run over an entire family and flee.”
Dee Esch, Johnathan’s mother, was even more direct:
“Make no mistake, what you did was murder. You are a murderer.”
Monroe, who did not make a statement, had her attorney claim that she was remorseful for her actions. However, the families of the victims emphasized the irreparable damage done by her reckless decisions.
Judge’s Statement: The Far-Reaching Impact
Circuit Judge Cori Barkman underscored the wide-reaching consequences of Monroe’s actions.
“This family is going to have to live with memories of this terrible tragedy for the rest of their lives.”
The judge’s words reflected the deep impact the crime had on the victims’ families, many of whom are left grappling with the loss of their loved ones and the long-term injuries sustained by others in the group.
Background: Monroe’s Life Before the Crash
At the time of the crash, Ashley Monroe was the mother of five children, aged 13, 11, 7, and 1, and was pregnant with another child. Monroe gave birth to the child while in jail.
Monroe had worked at the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office for approximately a year and a half, but her career has now been overshadowed by the severe consequences of her actions.
Conclusion: A Long Sentence for a Devastating Act
Monroe’s sentencing marks the end of a painful chapter for the victims’ families, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence—particularly when one chooses to drive while intoxicated and pregnant. The 30-60 year sentence reflects the severity of her actions and the enduring damage caused to the families of the victims. Monroe’s case also serves as a warning of the irreversible consequences of reckless behavior on the road.
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