A Waterford Township woman has been sentenced to prison for a drunk driving crash that took a 70-year-old motorcyclist's life last year in Pontiac. Jessica Lenore Kellar, age 31, will serve 2 1/2 to 15 years after pleading guilty to alcohol-related felony charges in the death of Kirt Keenan Stalker of White Lake Township, as reported by The Oakland Press.
The fatal incident occurred on September 15, 2023, when Kellar, while intoxicated, made a left-hand turn and collided with Stalker at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Huron Street. Stalker, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from his Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Kellar's blood alcohol level was measured to be 0.10%, exceeding Michigan's legal limit of 0.08%, as found by crash investigators from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Alongside her prison sentence, Kellar has also been sentenced to serve additional 180 days for operating under the influence with a 15-year-old minor present in the vehicle. FOX 2 Detroit notes that neither Kellar nor the minor passenger were injured during the crash.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed his frustration with the reoccurring theme of preventable tragedies stating, "While I am appreciative this individual is held accountable for their actions, it continues to frustrate me that people intentionally and willfully get behind the wheel of a car after they’ve been drinking and put others at risk," in a news release cited by Audacy. He added, “Lives are destroyed and lost through this reckless behavior and hopefully this sends a message to others to make a simple, easy choice of finding an alternative ride if they have been drinking.”
Kellar, who had been out on bond and monitored by electronic tether prior to her sentencing, was booked into the Oakland County Jail following the court hearing and is to be transferred to Huron Valley Correctional Facility, as per The Oakland Press.
