MISSOULA — Megan Beard of Florence, accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that killed her 10-year old son Brecken, appeared for arraignment in a Missoula courtroom on Thursday.
Beard, 34 years old, who was originally charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, negligent vehicular assault, two counts of child criminal endangerment, and criminal endangerment, pleaded guilty.
Beard pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting she drank alcohol and was too drunk to drive the day of the crash.
The multi-vehicle crash happened on February 15 between Missoula and Lolo in the "S" curves.
The Montana Highway Patrol reported Beard was driving a minivan when she lost control in the curve, crossed the centerline, and drove into oncoming traffic.
Her vehicle collided with a work van and a sedan. Beard's minivan then went off the road and overturned.
Her son Brecken died from injuries sustained in the crash, while Beard’s other two children - ages 8 and 6 - sustained minor chest injuries from their seatbelts.
Beard supplied a blood sample, where her BAC returned .221, nearly three times the legal limit for driving.
Beard is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20.
