Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
On Monday a local woman pleaded guilty of impaired driving causing the death of three young men in Wilmer last summer.
A visibly nervous Haley Jade Watson sat in Cranbrook court only a few feet away from the victims’ families, all of whom wore blue shirts in memory of Gavin Murray, Jackson Freeman, and Brady Tardiff.
The three men died when the truck Watson was driving left Westside Road and crashed on July 9, 2024. A court report indicated the truck was travelling more than 115 km/h and that Watson was heavily intoxicated at the time.
One court observer said you could hear a pin drop as Watson entered the courtroom where the families struggled to keep their emotions in check. Some members were so shaken they had to leave before all of the grim details were read aloud.
Watson was originally charged with several counts of impaired driving and dangerous driving causing death, but she pleaded guilty to one count of impaired driving (exceeding the legal limit of alcohol in her body while operating a vehicle).
The judge asked Watson a series of questions to ensure she understood her plea and the gravity of her situation. She was informed that the charge carries a maximum life sentence of incarceration. Watson said she understood that.
Outside the courtroom, family members expressed their grief for the three men and their hope that the judge will deliver an appropriate measure of justice in the case.
A pre-sentence report has been ordered to assist the judge in sentencing, which likely won’t occur until this fall.
Watson’s next court date is August 18 in Cranbrook.
