Woman pleads guilty to DUI in car crash that killed a pedestrian in Washington

WASHINGTON — A District of Columbia woman has pleaded guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence as a result of a fatal traffic accident in late April.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C. says 49-year-old Maria N. Werts pleaded guilty Tuesday.

According to prosecutors, Werts was drinking malt liquor and smoking cocaine before driving. Prosecutors say Werts was driving on First Street southwest and ran a red light at the intersection of South Capitol Street, making an illegal right turn on red. She lost control of her car and struck 58-year-old pedestrian Emmajean Gainey, killing her.

Sentencing is set for July 26. The plea agreement calls for Werts to serve a seven-year prison term.

A telephone message left for Werts' attorney was not immediately returned late Tuesday.

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