Horace, ND (trfnews.i234.me)βThree teenage girls who suffered serious injuries in a head-on DUI crash last summer were present in a North Dakota courtroom Monday as the woman responsible for the accident, 18-year-old McKenzie Moser, pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular injury.
Courtroom Plea & Sentencing Details
Moser entered an Alford plea, meaning she maintains her innocence but acknowledges that the state has enough evidence to convict her. Judge Connie Cleveland questioned Moser before she confirmed her guilty plea. A trial was initially set for Tuesday, but now Moser will face sentencing on April 28. The hearing will include character witnesses for Moser and victim impact statements.
Crash Details β June 13, 2024
Location: Main Street & Sixth Avenue North, Horace Moserβs vehicle crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a Honda Civic. Victims in the Honda Civic:
- Driver: Addison Marker, 16 (Jamestown)
- Passengers: Claire Marker, 14 (Jamestown), and Megan Wieland, 16 (West Fargo)
Serious Injuries Sustained
Claire Marker β Lacerated spleen Addison Marker β Fractured vertebrae, broken ankle & foot bones Megan Wieland β Fractured vertebrae
All three girls were hospitalized for several days
DUI & Defense Claims
Moser was arrested at the crash scene for DUI and DUI refusal. Defense attorney Blake Hankey argues Moser was unknowingly drugged the night of the crash. Moser admits to drinking alcohol but claims she was not in full control of her actions. Hankey insists body camera footage shows Moser behaving in a way she does not recognize.
Potential Sentencing
Mandatory Minimum Sentence: One year in prison Defense Recommendation: Minimum one year Prosecution Expected to Seek: Two years
Sentencing Hearing Scheduled: April 28, 2025
Stay tuned for further updates on this case.
Iβm Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me