STANTON, Mich. — A Montcalm woman entered a no-contest plea for two counts of operating while under the influence causing death in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two last summer.
Myrtle Fuller and Jeremy Wabeke were walking along Cass Street when they were hit and killed. Detectives say the driver, Amber Martens, 34, didn't stop at the scene.
According to prosecutors, Martens' blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit in July 2022.
In court on Wednesday, Martens entered the no-contest plea in exchange for the seven other charges to be dropped.
A no-contest plea means that the defendant is neither accepting nor denying guilt, but is instead agreeing to the punishment of the crime.
Mertens is also embroiled in a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of the victim's family. Three area bars are also named in the suit.
"They are giving everything to her easy. Anyone else would not get the same sentence," said Jackie White, Myrtle Fuller's Sister. "I would've liked to have it moved to another county because everybody in it knows it sucks."
In response to the plea agreement, Montcalm County Prosecutor Andrea Krause told 13 ON YOUR SIDE she ensured Martens received the max sentence even if she went to trial and was convicted.
"Martens' maxed out under sentencing guidelines and will receive a sentence at the top end of whatever the sentencing guidelines will turn out to be. The guidelines would not change if we entered a plea to any additional charges."
Martens' sentencing is on March 3.
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