Gratiot County Woman Charged for Killing Two, Injuring 14 In Hit and Run Crash

A deadly crash in Clinton County on Saturday has led to multiple felony charges against a Gratiot County woman.

Police say around 6:25 P.M., 16 family members ranging in age from two to 61 were walking to their grandparents home along South Wacousta Road near Corrison Road in Watertown Township. According to police, 35-year-old Ashley Monroe of Perrinton plowed into the group, killing two and injuring the rest. 30-year-old Johnathan Esch of Grand Haven and 42-year-old Daniel Harris Grand Ledge were killed at the scene. The others had injuries ranging from minor to critical. As of Sunday evening, eight of the victims were released from hospitals, six are still under treatment, and one is still in critical condition.

Police say Monroe fled the scene. She was stopped and arrested several miles away. Police say she had a blood alcohol level of 0.183, more than twice the legal limit in Michigan. Monroe is charged with:

  • Six counts of operating under the influence causing incapacitating injury
  • Two counts of failing to stop at a scene when at fault resulting in death
  • Two counts of operating under the influence causing death
  • One count of failure to stop at the scene of a serious personal injury accident

She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her bond has been set at $1 million and her next court date is May 30.