WEST PARIS, Maine — A teenage driver had been drinking alcohol and was texting back and forth with friends at a party when her car crashed, killing two passengers, including a 16-year-old she had just picked up, investigators said Monday.
State police detectives were continuing their investigation into the early Saturday crash in West Paris and were looking into the party and trying to determine where the teenagers obtained alcohol, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said.
The driver, 18-year-old Kristina Lowe of Paris, had left the party with some friends and picked up an additional passenger before attempting to return to the party, McCausland said.
The car went airborne and crashed into trees, killing two passengers, 19-year-old Logan Dam and 16-year-old Rebecca Mason, both of West Paris. Another passenger, 22-year-old Jacob Skaff of Paris, was treated at a hospital and then released. Lowe remained hospitalized on Monday.
Troopers cited alcohol and driver inattention as factors in the crash.
“Two lives were lost so that’s the focal point where troopers are trying to answer all questions that revolve around the crash itself,” McCausland said. “The related issue of the alcohol and the underage party are issues that we will deal with, but the focus is the crash investigation.”
Mason’s father, Jerrold Mason, told the Portland Press Herald that he thought his daughter was in bed but it appeared that she had sneaked out. He said he was told that his daughter’s friends were making a run to a convenience store for beer and cigarettes before heading back to the party.
The crash happened around 12:15 a.m. a few miles from the Mason home.
Troopers will conduct a full investigation and turn their findings over to the district attorney before a decision is made on charges, McCausland said.
Texting while driving has been illegal in Maine since September, and Maine has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption for drivers under age 21.
Where are all the commenters whinning that the police shouldn’t bust underage drinking parties? If this one was busted maybe, just maybe two people would still be alive today.
When I was younger we had underage drinking parties. We were just all smart enough not to drive afterwards. The first rulee at the party was leave you keys on the rack and have a good time. We just all stayed there.
I was with you back in the day but I am glad there wasn’t text messaging. It was hard enough just keeping it between the lines half the time. Times change.
Seems when I was younger every class or two had a drinking fatality. Don’t act as though this wasn’t a problem then. maybe YOU were above it all and made the right choices but most of us didn”t.
That’s what they ALL say amlbe. Sorry, but I don;t believe you!
Sorry not that I really care what you think, but my parents taught me better than to drink and drive. I knew who I was going to meet when I got home. We had alot more respect for our parents than what these kids do now. And yes I can name many house parties that I went to that we all hung up the keys and no one drove.
My parents didn’t let me out til college. Guess they didn’t have a choice then, I lived on campus. At 18, the parents aren’t to blame. She is an adult by then and hopefully they did the best they could before she turned 18. I wouldn’t hold parents resposible for their children’s actions after a certain age. I know some awesome appearing (I say that because no one knows what happens at home) parents that have had several graduate from college and then one son living in the basement. Rolling his smoke with no future.
That said, I also know some horrible parents, whose children rose up and graduated with Masters.
So you condone underage drinking as long as one is ‘smart about it’?
so you never had a drink when you were underage? I guess you must be a saint. No I’m not condoning underage drinking but you can’t say that it never happens. So why not educated about getting a ride home with a sober driver instead of “if I catch you drinking it’s not going to be good.” How stupid is that. That’s why these kids drink and drive, fear that their parents might catch them.
Of course I did! More often than I should have, but I sure as hell aren’t going to condone it. Just because I did it and everyone else did it doesn’t mean it’s ok or right. And my children will know they are to call me for a ride if it gets to that point. Your original post was just very blase about it in that it sounded like ‘yah, we had parties all the time, and just didn’t drink and drive’ as if that was acceptable. I was just curious if you thought that underage drinking was no big deal as long as no one was driving intoxicated.
That’s a big maybe, as an 18 year old can find booze easily. If an 18 year old is considered mature enough to vote, then why not aware enough to heed all the warnings of OUI and texting dangers. She alone is responsible for this mess.
It is quite obvious she is responsible for this, I never deflected blame off of her. However if the cops did catch this one early then there is a chance she would not have killed two people that night. Hearing the argument that busting underage drinking parties is a waste of police resources and time, this is a prime example of why they are busted. Of course we will never know how many lives have been saved by parties getting busted because that is something one cannot quantify.
Not to start a lengthy discussion that usually goes nowhere, but she chose to do it. She could’ve just as easily gotten into the same mess if she had been drinking alone at home. I’m not trying to take away from the menacing scourge of booze/house parties, just that she made her own decisions (as wall as those riding with her). :)
we are on the same page Buzzy, Im just wondering about the “what if’s”, and I for one do not think Law Enforcement “wastes” time when these things are broken up tis all.
saddly it is not the WHAT IF’s these are never answered.. These will be open ended questions for everyone :( This is a very sad situation for all involved. I just pray everyone finds a way to make peace with the situation and be able to move on in their lives..
Amen, I hope we never bear such grief.
It most certainly is not a waste of time and money and it’s frustrating that for 1 busted, there are 10 more that aren’t. Thats why I called it a’menacing scourge’. I see nothing inherently wrong with an 18 year old having a couple of drinks (it was legal when I was 18), but the binge boozing is a real problem that I can’t see a solution to. That’s frustrating…
When police bust parties more people drive drunk sounds weird but true ..how do you think people get home I have witnessed it ..two cop cars busting a party can’t follow 20 cars at once leaving .. I have been at a party long ago back in the day .the police came And we all drove away drunk crazy but true” I would have prob passed out there but had to go get in car with a drunk driver and drive home ” not that I cared at that age getting in car with a drunk and we have all done it I bet you ….. So how many people have died because of a busted party …??? You will never know that answer either there is always another side to a story ..there more concerned about finding drugs inside …. And every one thinks there generation was smarter and better but its all relative with the times
You’ve never had the alchohol police bust up a college party. They did it right back in my day. Dressed in armor like you see on TV in a prison raid, they enter from all doors. I was a teen once can you tell? I had just got there, I was a poor college student and had to work before partying. I laid on the floor for at least 30 minutes, then cuffed, my mom had to drive to the college to get me. I still don’t get why they couldn’t release me, on my own, I was clean. I still can’t figure out how they justified taking me, I told them I was clean. I finished college with no more parties. I wasn’t about to risk failing an alchohol test. I wonder if they are still crazy like that on college campuses. Coming in like they are raiding a prison, shields, battons and screaming. That could cause PSTD!
You didn’t go to school in Maine I’m guessing …when cops come in all crazy like that there is most likely suspected drugs use or drugs in the home not cause there is a party .. You def choose the wrong party to go to … But you made it home like me and here we are … Prayers go out to all family’s ..
Amen. Yes, I did attend a State college, while all my friends got to go to private. Maybe, I got mine paid off a year or two sooner. There may very well have been drugs there. I just came thru the door and it was my first time ever. I was very lucky. It was an enormous party. Your right, I def picked wrong. Never picked again, I was cured.
I told my kids as they recieved their first cars. That is a deadly weapon, treat it as such. If you kill someone, you will be taken for manslaughter and possible murder charges. My insurance will go up beyond belief because you are on it. If I find anything in that car, including the smell of cigarette smoke, the car is parked. My daughters are out in their own apartments but due to financing we still have cars in our names and insurance. Christmas day I did car searches of both girls, random. They still aren’t 21, my name, my responsiblity. I was so happy that they came up clean, hated to take a car on Christmas day.
Good for you! My mother used to check my car on occasion too. When I was 17, she found an empty beer on the back seat floor. Very cranky ’till I told her that it was snuck in by her favorite niece (legal 18). She apologized, but gave me one of her anti drinking rants anyway! :-)
I know what I am doing is working. My girls are talented and well on their way to a three figure salary. I’ve hopefully raised them to take care of me in my golden years….Its not an invasion of their privacy. As I told them when they lived under my roof, my roof my rules; if you want privacy buy your own roof. Same rules apply for their cars.
Three figure salary???? You will be living in a card board shack in your golden years at that income level.
Well, they won’t be working in Maine, that’s for sure.
That’s horrible you would do that I just read your other comment and going threw your daughters car behind there back on xmas WOW that’s all I can say … Do they pay for the car ???or do you pay insurence and car payment eitherway bad mom……
I make all payments and insurance on cars provided they stay in school. I would definately pull the keys on either daughter if caught with anything illegal in their vehicles. Those cars are in my and my husbands name and insurance. We have worked too hard, helping them in school and in life for them to destroy our livelyhood. If they drove our vehicle drunk and killed someone that would open us up to lawsuits and pain forever. We love our girls too much to take any risks. We have always kept our word and played hardball. They in turn have achieved outstanding goals.
Good for you! I agree completely!
No way! Good Mom! All the latest research talks about young adults brains not being fully functional until around 25 years of age. If checking cars is what keeps my children safe, I am all for it. I am their parent first and their friend second. That is what parenting is all about. I remember coming out of a basketball game to find my mother waiting for me because I had forgotten to tell her I was staying. Lost my license for a while because I was also giving people rides when I was not allowed to do so. Taught me a lesson, and I forsee myself treating my children the same as they come into their teens. Right now I check bookbags for iPods, but believe me, I will soon be checking rooms, cars or whatever I please for other things!
“Busting” underage drinking parties sends lots of underage drinkers back out on to the roads…..The situation should be contained somehow…ensuring no one drives 8(
Her life is over, she will get 2 counts of manslaughter & probably get 20yrs in prison for this! There is a BUT…. if u read these 2 other kids facebooks, they were out of control teens, drinking, risky behavior also…
prayers go out to these parents
For two counts of manslaughter, I’m gonna say six years tops. Keep in mind there was an adult in the car that didn’t stop her from driving. If the stories are right and she was making a beer run who was gonna buy the beer? Could it be the adult in the car with her? Could the adult be held accountable for not stopping her from drunk driving? After all the ad campaign says to stop them from driving no matter what.
At 18 she is an adult also. She had the keys and got behind the wheel after drinking, and not only that but couldn’t put down her phone either. Sad for all involved…but, ultimately I think that the adult driver is responsible for those she took into her car. The others didn’t make wise choices by getting in the car with her…but, she was behind the wheel.
But it is a fact that an 18 year old can’t handle the responsibility that comes with drinking. That is why they are not allowed to drink until 21. I think the adult that allowed her to drive should be held accountable for something. After all it is safe to assume the adult was gonna by her more beer.
I’m sure he will be held accountable for his part in this terrible accident. But, I’m also sure that she will (as an adult) be held accountable also. At 18 she is an adult and made the choice to drink, drive — and text. I also think that whoever hosted this party should hold some responsiblity.
They should take her the driver. The adult riding with her they assume to buy alchohol for them and any adult at the party supplying. Then really publish it. People need to get it, don’t supply minors.
Not sure what your first sentence was getting at.
You cannot charge someone for an “assumption”. Now if he did purchase alcohol prior to the accident then charges are appropriate. The MSPs investigation is ongoing and they are looking at the homeowner for charges also.
“People need to get it,” DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!
You are correct. I stand corrected. It who purchased the alchohol and we have no idea who that person is. So sad all the way around.
Well stated.
“People need to get it,” DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!
An 18 and 19 year old are just as “adult” as a 22 year old under the law
I agree. But, they can’t purchase alchohol. Unless, I missed something.(purchased illegally?) Someone purchased the alchohol, someday we will find out. If not, I wouldn’t want to own that store that sold to a minor.
You can go to war at 18 and vote. She was an adult responsible for her own actions.
I’m not saying she isn’t accountable. Why can’t 18 year olds drink, go to casinos and gamble? The federal government doesn’t think they are developed enough to do these things responsibly. If I’m a passenger in a car and the driver stops and robs a bank and I do nothing, I am going to jail. Should be the same for everyone who knew this was happening.
That’s an interesting take….all who ride with a drunk driver are accessories to that drunk driving. Hmmmm……there must be something wrong with that legally or they would have done it by now. It would probably cut down on drunk driving.
I think she will see even less of this.. a friend of the family only did 19 months… this is nothing though compared to what she will have to live with for the rest of her life.. can you even start to imagine the flash backs she will have or the memories she will have to deal with?? I know I would not want to be in her shoes!
You are right. Jail time will be a piece of cake compared to what she will go through for the rest of her life. I think the home owner and everyone who is of age that knew this was happening should be charged accordingly. The government claims that 20 year olds are not mature enough to handle alcohol. Scary, they might be right.
Do you ever even consider that she may not care at all about those who died? She may be nothing more than a party girl who cares more about the scars she may have from the accident than the other people who died or were injured.
She is an adult 18. Now days they are charging 13 year olds as adults in Murder trials. I am assuming they would try her as an adult, she is 18.
There was only 1 child in this car accident. The others be it young were all adults
Maine
6 months to 10 years
Class B Crime: Not less than 6 months or more than 10 years and not less than $2,100 or more than $20,000.
ME ST TI 17-A § 211; ME ST TI 17-A § 1252; ME ST TI 17-A § 1301; ME ST TI 29-A § 2411(D-2).
http://www.madd.org/laws/law-overview/Vehicular_Homicide_Overview.pdf
You got to know where your kids are. They best be home where I can protect them. If they want friends, they can come over here and play Monopoly. End of story. 18 comes soon, then my prison doors open and college takes over…
There will be an”App” making phones not text while moving. There will be no “App” for being drunk behind the wheel. Unfortunately intoxicated people will pull half way off the road to send a text while not moving- creating yet another hazard. No easy answer here. What a tradgedy for everyone involved.
Hold you tongues. There are families that just got their hearts torn out. Have some compassion.
I agree. My heart goes out to all involved.
Kids are warned about the dangers of texting and driving and drinking and driving…apparently the message isn’t getting across to some…
they arent held accountable.
true
sneaked?
Actually, sneaked is the traditional past tense of sneak. Snuck is another common past tense form of sneak. Both are correct.
i hope little miss lowe goes from the hospital and directly to jail and denyed bail ! i feel bad for the familys of the kids she killed. she should get the maxium sentence allowed by law.
Stan, I can understand why you feel this, as many do. However she has the worst punishment anyone could ever give her in life. This will haunt her for the rest of her life. Can you or better yet put your self in her shoes…. you made a stupid mistake. A mistakes that you should have never done. Texting and drinking and driving are two possible deadly things let alone doing them both at the same time. Could you live with yourself knowing you did this and killed two of your friends? Who knows how messed up she will be either if she pulls through this. I hope she does, but who knows. Any person with a heart this alone will tear her apart.. she is 18 and has say 60 plus years to relive this one stupid night of her life.
Many people are in prison for just drinking and driving. I’m assuming she took drivers ed and she knew the consequences. Today, most people know if they drink and drive and kill someone its manslaughter. Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse of the law. She took two lives and I would hope she has the same punishment that I would have if I took two lives.
There are 11 to 14 year old children in prison that killed just one person in a moment of very poor judgement. Some, were severely abused, didn’t know how to cope and ended up taking anothers life. I think I saw the other day where they want to try a 12 year old as an adult because its a murder trial. I think that is nuts, because kids do make rash decisions, because they don’t think like rational adults do.
Being 18, she knew better.Probably driving praying her parents or the cops didn’t pull her over. I think her case should be compared to many others like it and unless they are going to lower the standards for everyone. She should get the same. I personally believe, the court needs to rethink most of these children/adult cases and come up with better solutions then warehousing people. I do believe that if Miss Lowe agreed to a power point (or similiar)class on the crime scene photos and her life experience of the accident to High Schools and Driver Ed courses it would be much more beneficial to society. She would have to teach these classes equal to the time she would’ve spent in prison.
Sorry while I understand your point she deserves prison time. She
willing drove a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and
killed two people.
A
case could be made for premeditated murder in cases like this. The
driver knows it is illegal to drive while intoxicated but did so anyway.
There actions result in the lose of someones life. How is that
different from the person that plans to murder someone and does so?
Community service is fine but only works is certain cases and with certain people. Lindsey Lohan had how many “community service” opportunities?
If the court deems community service as part of the service it should be on the end of her sentence, after she serves prison time for taking two peoples lives.
I agree. I think she needs to get what any other person would get unless the courts are going to change the laws for everyone. No one wants to see such a beautiful young lady go to prison. Its going to be difficult to get a conviction when she is falling apart in front of that jury. If the families of the victims back her, she probably will get a talking to even. Now, that is a big if.
Time and time again…..I follow nationwide news. I notice that young beautiful females get very little time. They jury just can’t see these beauties who made one mistake on one night do time. That sad truth is, this probably wasn’t the first time she drank and drove. This was the first time she got caught, and unfortunatly, ended in devastation.
If they don’t, key word, don’t give her time. I pray she at least gives back to the community by working with schools or Drivers Ed programs in educating children. A video doesn’t work, she needs to get into those classroom and show them the real person. Crime scene pictures and all would be nice, but, I’m sure wouldn’t be allowed.
“No one wants to see such a beautiful young lady go to prison”? I do and for a long time too.
The Lewiston Sun-Journal is now reporting that she walked away from the scene and was found at the party. “Kristina Lowe, 18, who suffered serious injuries, returned to a house where a drinking party had been going on, said Fire Chief Norm St. Pierre. He said an ambulance crew picked up Lowe at the house, about a mile away from the crash scene.”
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/oxford-hills/2012/01/09/pair-injured-crash-killed-two-left-scene-official/1138157
She deserves a very long sentence. Her action pre and post accident show her level of maturity and responsibility.
Holy cow, she left the scene? With her friends dead in the car? Truly awful…
She should teach these classes…as well as being housed in prison. Much like a work release situation
She had a choice. the other families did not. in this day and age – we ALL know driving and TEXTING or DRINKING can kill – she did it anyway. This is no accident – she text and drank on purpose.
Did she force the others into the car or was it their choice to get in with her? They all made choices. Tragically, they all have paid or will pay a high price. Say what you will about the driver, but would she have been driving if the others hadn’t wanted to be in the passenger seats? Doling out responsibility, becoming judge and jury…it’s too much tragedy and too much loss for everyone involved…unless we can say something useful, this forum can only make it worse.
I agree that she will be punished enough knowing that she is responsible for the death of two friends. I know someone who was a driver in a similar situation and went to jail for several years and missed out on the prime of their life. They had learned their lesson long before they stepped foot into a jail cell as the torture that goes along with knowing you are responsible for killing two people is a far greater force than any incarceration can deliver. Not that she should get away with no punishment but a lengthy sentence would be fairly pointless. Why not save the space for some of these scumbag molesters or wife beaters who always seem to get lenient sentences.
Sorry while I understand your point she deserves prison time. She willing drove a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and killed two people.
I am sure she is regretting her decision but so does the person that pulls the trigger and kills someone by “accident”.
A case could be made for premeditated murder in cases like this. The driver knows it is illegal to drive while intoxicated but did so anyway. There actions result in the lose of someones life. How is that different from the person that plans to murder someone and does so?
“A case could be made for premeditated murder in cases like this. The driver knows it is illegal to drive while intoxicated but did so anyway. There actions result in the lose of someones life. How is that different from the person that plans to murder someone and does so?”
Because in this case, the driver did not intend to kill anybody. That’s a huge difference.
See my response to HoleMinded above.
Comparing this to a case of pre-meditated murder with a gun is insane.
“How is that different from the person that plans to murder someone and does so?”
The difference can easily be summed up in one word….wait for it…INTENT! This young woman surely did not think to herself gee I think I’m gonna load my vehicle up with my friends so I can crash it into a tree and maybe kill some of them. She surely did not intend to kill anyone, as for knowing that driving drunk could result in a death…this argument does not hold any weight as the same can be said for anyone who drives sober. Under your way of thinking anyone who has been convicted of OUI is guilty of attempted murder.
Instead of putting this girl in prison, at our cost, why not sentence her to a rigorous schedule of public speaking engagements with school aged children to share her story first hand. This would have a far greater impact on society than locking her in a cell. If they did this in every situation similar to this there would be far fewer instances of teens getting into a car with an intoxicated driver.
Oh I am very familiar with the word “intent”.
Let’s see…She was underage and drinking. She was texting which at any age is illegal in a motor vehicle in Maine. Based on the damage to the Subaru (front end demolished and the rear end at a 45 degree angle at the rear passenger seat) I would say she was exceeding the posted speed limit by just a “little”.
Can you say reckless endangerment? When during the commission of a felony a death results, even with no “intent” the resulting charge is premeditated murder.
See, I have cleaned up the aftermath in cases like this more than once. I am tired of people saying “jail or prison time serves no purpose” and “community service” would have a “far greater impact on society than locking her in a cell”. She KILLED TWO PEOPLE.
Maybe we should have three levels for OUI. One for OUI without bodily injury to someone else which is what the current law is. A second OUI for accidents involving bodily injury which would be a felony and a third OUI for accidents involving death (which is currently called “vehicular homicide” in Maine) and is punishable with up to 30 years in prison.
Currently in Maine the penalty for Murder is “Imprisonment for life or any other term not less than 25 years”.
Maybe we should have a minimum sentence for OUI involving a death?
Jail with a combination of community service would be the best I think! Imagine a scared straight seminar at any Maine high school where the speaker is lead in by officers with the speaker is prison garb begging kids not to make the same mistake…..Most of these kids all went to the same small high school. It could make a difference if these kids see the real impact decisions like these have!
OR you could just raise your children to be responsible.
It seems that her post accident actions speaks volumes.
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/oxford-hills/2012/01/09/pair-injured-crash-killed-two-left-scene-official/1138157
Maine’s felony murder statute does not allow for a murder charge whenever a death occurs in the commission of a felony.
That’s why I believe we need three levels of criminal behavior for OUI offenses.
One as it is now,
One for causing bodily injury, and
One for causing a death with minimum sentencing.
HoleMinded – I have no offer of a solution as to what to do with this young woman. I agree that she is probably beside herself with remorse. But, something about having her (or anyone in this situation, for that matter) be a public speaker… Well, I don’t know… it just smacks of turning her into some sort of celebrity. However misplaced.
And the Lewiston Sun-Journal is reporting that the driver WALKED AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT and was found at the party. 10 years minimum concurrent sentence for each death.
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/oxford-hills/2012/01/09/pair-injured-crash-killed-two-left-scene-official/1138157
Un-intentional homicide due to gross negligence is a crime and a very serious crime in every jurisdiction in this country. Through gross negligence and depraved indifference she caused the death of two people. That is manslaughter.
How about a lengthy sentence to provide the families with some justice? YOU think she’s learned her lesson. I will feel more comfortable that she’s not texting behind the wheel for the next 10 years…
How will locking this girl up for 10+ years bring justice to the families, that sounds more like vengeance. Unfortunately there is no bringing back those who have died and the only “justice” that can come from this is maybe to have the driver be sentenced to speak with school aged children and tell her story first hand in an attempt to prevent this from happening in the future. This would be a much more appropriate punishment as it would actually benefit society as a whole and possibly prevent this from happening to others in the future.
That’s like saying “yeah, go ahead and murder someone, but as long as you feel bad about it, then we won’t make you face the consequences”
Yeah, maybe all drunk drivers should be sentenced to “feeling bad”…
Punitive punishment is a large part of our justice system. I would ask families of people killed by drunk drivers if they feel justice would served without jail time. I think you’ll see that many would equate justice with firm, punitive punishment.
She will have to live with it for the rest of her life….and she will have to face the legal consequences as well. That’s what being part of a society is all about.
I am curious to know how much she had in her system. Remember, even though .02 is illegal, perhaps .01 in Maine, for an underage person I doubt that it would impair her. If I had to guess, texting played the biggest factor. I read somewhere a while ago, texting while driving is much more dangerous then being legally drunk. Either way this should be a lesson learned.
either way, the safest thing for sure without a doubt is leaving the ‘methadone’ clinic with a fresh fix in your system.. driving on down the road. thats the safest.. because.. methadone is legal.
What does methadone have to do with a drunk driver?
This makes me boil! I was forced at my old workplace to ride with a meth addict. My employer said, that they couldn’t fire him because he was getting help at the clinic. I ended up getting done. I honestly don’t know how they make it from point A to point B. He passes meds to clients and they are usually wrong, because he is always stealing them, and can’t even do that right. Steals wrong pills, he is so messed up. Those clinics should be outlawed, if you want to get clean, quite.
Actually, in Maine anything over .00 in a minor is illegal.
I wasn’t sure, I know at least in the past it use to be .01, .02 because so many things contain trace alcohol amounts in them.
There should be a new criminal offense: Texting while driving OUI. It should come with mandatory permanent suspension of your driver’s license.
That is if you just get caught. Not if you take ones life, IMO. If you take another’s life it even needs to be harsher, at least community service. Going to schools and teaching your experience is a great start.
How is “community service” harsh?
Today she has lost her license for 3 years (courtesy of the Secretary of State) and is facing up to 30 years in prison.
Source – http://maine.gov/dps/bhs/impaired-driving/laws.html
im betting no jury will send her to jail .
Too pretty for jail. Google many crimes like this one and see how many 18 year olds were arrested and still rotting in jail. Sexist. When you google it you can see its sexist, racist and looks plays a huge factor on who does time and who walks. So sad that juries are so reckless. I believe that all should be treated the same for the same or very similiar crime.
It’s the court that does the sending, not the jury, and in this case it’s likely to be prison, not jail. The jury’s function is to decide guilt or innocence, and if there’s strong evidence she was driving under the influence, texting, or both when the crash occurred, it’s likely they’ll find her guilty, regardless of her youth and good looks.
Not true juries like to see intent works both way I know a local business man who was dui in high school and his female passenger was killed no jail time nothing he had to change high schools but that was it other than daddy writing a check or whatever
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This is a sad story all the way around. We can “what if” it ad nauseum, but the end result is still some kids are dead.
Hopefully, with time these families can recover from this event.
one of the deceased was an only child. That family will never recover.
I made this comment on the other thread and I will again. These kids need to sit through an autopsy or two. Also a class trip to view the preparing of their friends before the funerals. not seeing them all pretty to be viewed at the service but through the whole process. I understand privacy laws but to see what they would see, and to smell what they would be smelling through all of that would definately give them a lesson that no amount of “education” or jail time could do. Harsh? maybe. but so is what happened.
If law would allow, I’d take my three girls for a viewing! I’ve ran home and picked my kids up from school to view major accidents involving teen drivers. I don’t think kids can get enough exposure, before it sinks in, that could be me.
I agree. My dad has a towing company and I have seen many cars crushed by impaired drivers. Hes had a customer or 2 look at these cars and tell them what could happen to them if they choose to drive impaired. I think it helped me not to and I hope that it helps my daughter (shes 10) when shes old enough to drive. I think that after something like this you are right they should be made to do/see something. RIP girls that were involved
*customer or 2 SHOW their teen I ment*
One was a guy.
omg! RIP to all involved thanks for noticeing that
It may be harsh….but maybe that’s the trick! We always state that “nothing changes” maybe it’s time we change it….Maybe it doesn’t have to be the bodies of these children but allowing high school aged kids to see “death” in a real way may end the superhero complex that a lot of them have 8(
So….what about the 22 y/o who was with them making a store run for beer,not too hard to figure out who bought it. I feel bad for the families who lost their girls but clearly the driver is responsible and she will have to face the
consequences.
The 22 year old should go to jail. He should have been the adult, but just wanted to party.
What are you going to send him to jail for?
One of the victims was a guy.
This is incredibly sad. I don’t wish this on any parents and my heart goes out to all the parents including the drivers parents. I’m a parent too and kids sure can make enormous mistakes as illustrated here. Prayers tonight for all families.
What will be interesting is if a jury puts Miss Lowe in jail, due to the fact she is so beautiful. The facts are if she was a man or a homely woman she would do some quality time. An obese 18 year old with acne, and a court appointed lawyer, would probably do even more time. Not to say that I personally believe she deserves jail, I think its a waste of tax payers money. She would be better off ordered to take crime scene photo’s to every high school drivers ed (or towns private driver’s ed course) course and teach her lesson over and over for 10 years! However, all drivers should be treated the same regardless of appearance. If you commit the crime, she knew was illegal, then she must face the time, if that’s what other adults are recieving.
This is a very unfortunate accident that could have been easily avoided. I expect that she will get at least 10 years on manslaughter charges with regard to the 2 deaths. I also expect that the OUI and texting charges will be dropped as part of a plea agreement.
For many years the average person got along without phones in their cars, modern technology doesn’t always pay off in good ways as we can see. With the modern technology, I would like to see someone create a phone that would not function in a moving vehicle. Every single day I see people texting and talking on their cell phones as they are driving.
Because of the outcome I think charges should be brought not just against the driver but also against the person who bought the liquor, the person who held the party and everyone at the party who allowed this girl to drive under the influence. It may sound harsh but two young people’s lives were lost and at such an early age.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
And, I still feel that the driving age should be raised to at least 21, by that time young people do somewhat have a sense of responsibility.
That is just plain dumb! For example, after two years of trade school, people will be 19 or 20. How do you suppose they get to and from work, how do they drive a company vehicle (electricians, plumbers). How do people who attend college as commuters attend college? Just dumb and a total over reaction.
ah huh….and are 18-20 year olds to remain dependent on thier parents even though the law considered them adults…..I’d like to see you send some 18 year old to war who doesn’t even have the right to drive a car….
Please, it’s not an accident when you intentionally drink alcohol, get behind a wheel and start texting with friends (while driving with passengers). Accidents are unforseeable events. This one was not unforeseeable. This crash was as predictable as if she had taken out a gun, put the bullets in it and pulled the trigger. Not an accident.
OMG this is awful. Underage drinking…Illegal. Texting while driving…Illegal. Drinking and driving…Illegal. Wait, why is this awful. Sick and tired of hearing: “They were young” Guess what, I’ve been to grade school and learned how to read: law states this is illegal. I learned to listen in health class in high school: its illegal to drink and more so to drink drive. It’s funny how we as a society say: “He/She WAS 16, s/he knew exactly what was going to happened when they pulled the trigger and killed that person.” But a different story when: “S/he was ONLY 16 when they were drinking and driving and texting when s/he crashed the car.” So what society, tell me It’s okay to drink and drive and kill someone (because you’re just a child) but not okay to take a gun and someone? (because you’re an ‘adult.’)
My kids never went out after 8pm, without me
My kids never went out with any other teen at anytime i had a hint they were drinkers,or their parents
My kids never saw me drink a drop of alcohol, never
My kids are now in their 20s with careers
they want nothing to do with booze
They live in nice communities and make more money than me
Sure i kept them sheltered during their teen years and away from parties
but they are in their 20s and alive
Where can we send your award?
Bravo to you. There are other ways to raise responsible children.
and? what’s your point?
here’s the flip side of your perfect story:
I went out after 8 p.m. often. I worked closing at a restaurant as a teenager and sometimes wouldn’t be home until 1 a.m. – Yeah i got into trouble sometimes, but i was always safe about what I was doing and where i was going.
I went out with friends all the time, – but i was smart enough to not drink and drive or ride with a drunk. If i was at a “gathering” then myself and my friends would put our keys in a basket, then one would hide it. no one would leave once it they started indulging themselves, regardless of the circumstances of the evening.
I had wine with dinner since i was 6, my parents both drank alcohol in front of me and i had easy access to it, but i didn’t bother with it, because it wasn’t a big deal.
Guns were unlocked in my house with ammo nearby, but i never shot myself or anyone else.
I was not sheltered by any means, now i am in my mid 20s with a great job and a good life.
I thoroughly enjoy my alcohol.
The point is that ultimately it comes down to personal choice and responsibility.
You have good responsible friends that aren’t retards and you’ll probably do just fine.
and you as a parent can “shelter” your child all you want, but it is the child’s own personal choices that make all the difference in the world.
By sheltering your children i think you do them an injustice because they will not be able to make an informed decision when faced with potentially dangerous situations.
This is just another sad story of kids texting when driving, adding the alcohol was even worse. But even sadder is the fact that they went with her in the car. If you are drinking find a DD or someone who cares enough to get everyone home safe.
If you are old enough to have a driver’s license, you are old enough to be responsible for how you drive. This crash was no accident. There isn’t a driver these days that does not know that drinking, distractions and driving will lead to a crash. I hope this woman is punished to the fullest extent of the law. Her irresponsible behavior led to the death of two people. I also hope that whoever supplied the alcohol is punished too. Teens, you think you are invincible, but you are not. If someone is driving a vehicle and you are a passenger, insist that they put their cellphones away. Never get in a vehicle with anyone who has been drinking. It’s up to you to protect your life. So sad for all the families and friends involved, such devastation that never should have happened.
I’m not sure if yours is a comment regarding the accident or a sales pitch for your website?
I sure wouldn’t want to be in the 22 year old’s shoes.
This is such a sad story. My thoughts are with every family hurting from this tragedy. To every person who was in that car, every parent affected.
You all have a long road ahead of you. God bless you as you work through this.
Enough with the roadside memorials.
Take them to the funeral home and the cemetery where they belong.
Agreed, I can’t stand seeing these things, especially once they are no longer taken care of.
Well, there’s one thing to be said for them: they’re an ongoing reminder that people die on our roads every day, and if people drive by that memorial and put their phones down as a result, that’s a very good thing.
Well for a period of time they are a lasting reminder of what happened and if they make one teenager or one adult think twice about drinking and driving, I say let them stay.
So, the 22 year old was along to purchase the booze to take back to the party, do ya think???
It just goes to show that obviously all the underage drinking and driving, along with teenagers thinking nothing bad can happen to them obviously hasn’t reached everyone yet. I’m sorry to hear about this accident. But at the same time, hopefully it will wake at least ONE person up to what could happen in life, especially if that person is YOUNG.
It’s gotten to the point where I’m completely paranoid about oncoming vehicles on Route 1 because I never know when one of them is going to cross the line into my lane. It happens at least once a trip.
When they’ve belatedly corrected their course, the driver almost invariably turns out to be a young person with a phone in one hand and a cigarette and a large soda cup in the other. Apparently they’re steering with their knees.
I get that texting is addictive, but something has to be done about this.
What in the H3ll is going on with teanagers? Too much drinking, texting and deaths… Are any parents involved with their kids?
I honestly think that the driving age should be raised to 21. If you are 18, you can could get a work permit ( be allowed to drive to work and home only ) but anyone under 18 will have to find a ride as they can’t drive at all until age 18 with work permit. Just my opinion, maybe something to consider to help protect our young people .
that’s ridiculous.
you would punish tens of thousands of young people over the stupidity of a few.
If it saves just 1 life it would be worth it.
so…. raise the driving age to the same as the drinking age so they can get a license and buy alcohol all at once… brilliant.
This whole thing is terrible! Two people lost their lives and an 18 yr old girl has completely changed her’s forever!! What’s the answer here? Jail, Probation…obviously there needs to be consequences but where do we draw the line?
This girl made a horrible choice to drink, text, and drive but what good is jail going to do? It’s not going to stop other teens from going out this weekend and doing the same thing—its never going to happen to them…until it does!!!
I dont know this girl’s story at all. She might be a good kid that made a bad choice or she could be a kid that has a history of making bad choices and it finally caught up to her. If it turns out that she is a good kid, I think the court system should think outside the box in order to try and prevent this from happening again.
I believe that she should be required to report to jail every Friday at 5pm and be released on Monday mornings at 6am. She should be required to either be in school FT or have a FT job. She should be required to make 2 public speaking appearances per week at High Schools around the State in order to tell her story and how her decision that night has not only taken the lives of two others, but how it has changed hers forever! If she fails at any of the above, she would be transported directly to prison…NO EXCUSES!!! If she takes it seriously and it is obvious that she is making a difference…whats the harm in that?
I dont know…just a thought
I know you want to feel bad for her, but she killed 2 people.
If you want to feel bad for someone, feel bad for the families of the deceased.
Logan (one of the victims) was an only child, Rebecca was only 16. go look their parents in the eye and tell them that the girl whose actions killed their children feels really bad and shouldn’t be held accountable for her decisions.
we have laws, and the consequences of breaking those laws are punishment by incarceration.she needs to face the consequences of her actions. She needs to go to prison.
Not only did she kill two people but she left them in the car and walked away.
Whatever happened to getting a designated driver, or making some other type of arrangement before going to a party?
drinking and driving and texting…3 things teengagers are stupid about…
because of this wench 2 people are dead
Have you read the latest in the Sun Journal? The survivors left the seen and she the driver made it back to the party, a mile away!!!!!!!!!!!! What sympathy I had for her is gone.
Here is the link to that article if any one is interested.
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/oxford-hills/2012/01/09/pair-injured-crash-killed-two-left-scene-official/1138157
What kind of person does something like that? So much for the “she’ll have to live with this for the rest of her life” as being punishment. She didn’t seem to care much for the dead friends.
I don’t feel for her, but I do feel for her parents. I can’t imagine the pain of having a child act so horribly.
Ok , so saving 1 life isn’t worth it ?!?! They were under age and bought beer anyway…..raising the age to drive would mean they all would be alive right now. You are too young and think you know it all ( as I did when I was your age ) and you should at least give my opinion some thought before insulting me. And in the event you say something like….I went out when I was younger and knew better….blah blah blah…..everyone is NOT you.
Ok , so saving 1 life isn’t worth it ?!?! They were under age and bought beer anyway…..raising the age to drive would mean they all would be alive right now. You are too young and think you know it all ( as I did when I was your age ) and you should at least give my opinion some thought before insulting me. And in the event you say something like….I went out when I was younger and knew better….blah blah blah…..everyone is NOT you.
You can’t legislate stupidity!
Now we can add leaving the scene of a property damage and personal injury accident to the list of charges.
If she doesn’t receive at least 10 years concurrent sentences for each death justice will not be served.