A Pleasantville woman admitted to being high and speeding when she caused a crash that killed a Galloway Township woman in 2018.
Kaitlin Hayes, 26, pleaded to aggravated manslaughter in Dec. 19, 2018, crash on Pitney Road in Galloway.
Hayes was under the influence of marijuana and going more 106 mph when the crash occurred near the H. Ashton Marsh Elementary School in Absecon, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said. She was traveling at 104 mph at the time of impact.
The other driver, 36-year-old Suzana Kocick, died at the scene.
Hayes later admitted to investigators that she smoked marijuana about an hour before the crash, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
“Throughout the process of the legalization of marijuana we have monitored statistics in jurisdictions that have legalized or decriminalized its use,” Tyner said. “As the use of recreational marijuana becomes more prevalent, I have concerns. I want to warn against the dangers of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana, any illegal substance or alcohol.
“Just as we strongly warn people not to drink and drive or drive under the influence of illegal substances, I am warning the public do not get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of marijuana,” he added.
Tyner did not detail the terms of the plea agreement.
She remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
