The Southwest D.C. woman accused of fatally striking a 58-year-old woman last month pleaded guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge Tuesday.
Maria Werts, 49, admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking cocaine prior to the April 28 accident on First Street SW. Werts ran a red light, made an illegal right turn and lost control of her car. The 2010 Toyota Yaris then jumped a sidewalk and pinned Emmajean Gainey to a tree. Gainey was killed instantly.
Werts also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. Under a pending plea agreement, she will serve seven years in prison.
