By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
37-year-old Ryan McElroy of Salina, KS plead guilty to a motor vehicle homicide DUI, Class 2 Felony in Box Butte County District Court on Aug. 24.
McElroy will serve a minimum penalty of one-year imprisonment, with a maximum of 50 years. McElroy's charges of manslaughter (Class 2 Felony), DUI-third offense (Class W Misdemeanor), and reckless driving (Class 3 Misdemeanor) were dropped due to a plea agreement of pleading guilty to motor vehicle homicide.
On April 10, McElroy killed 22-year-old Blythe Boness of Alliance in a vehicle crash on Highway 2.
“At that time, the defendant, Ryan J. McElroy, was traveling westbound on Highway 2 as the driver and sole occupant of a red 2011 Chevrolet Camaro,” Deputy County Attorney Travis Rodak said. “At approximately mile marker 92.5 in Box Butte County, McElroy crossed the center line and began driving in the eastbound lane of Highway 2. Boness made an evasive maneuver toward the north shoulder, and the defendant made an evasive maneuver to return to his lane and struck Boness’ vehicle. Boness was killed as a result of the ensuing collision.”
McElroy was extracted from his vehicle by first responders and flown to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff for treatment. His Blood Alcohol Content was .235 grams per 100 ml of blood.
McElroy was previously convicted of a DUI in Gage County on June 12, 2008.
McElroy's sentencing is set for Nov. 7.