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Woman Accused Of Fatally Striking Bicyclist While High On Her Dog's Xanax
Shantel Lynn Witt was allegedly on 11 medications, including Xanax meant for her dog, when authorities say she struck and killed Marika Stone, who was out for an afternoon bike ride with friends.
An Oregon woman accused of fatally plowing her car into a dentist riding her bike, all while allegedly intoxicated on various medications, including Xanax prescribed for her dog, will stand trial starting this week.
Shantel Lynn Witt, 42, faces manslaughter charges for the December 2017 death of Marika Stone, a dentist and mother of two killed while bicycling with two friends in the middle of the afternoon. Witt allegedly crossed the center line with her 2002 GMC Sierra, and Stone was instantly killed, according to Oregon Live.
Prosecutors claim that Witt, from Bend, had more than 11 medications in her system at the time.
“The defense provided the state with veterinary records showing that Ms. Witt’s dog was given a prescription for Xanax two days before the crash,” prosecutors wrote in a filing, cited by Oregon Live. They claim that
11 of the 20 pills meant for the dog, named Lola, were missing.
The other medications allegedly in her system include a muscle relaxer, an anti-depressant and an anti-depression drug. Witt also allegedly had a handgun and three empty beer cans in the vehicle.
Since her arrest, Witt has been free on bail. However, she is under electronic GPS and alcohol monitoring and only allowed to leave her home under certain circumstances, the Bend Bulletin reports. A request she made to go to an event for her grandchild was denied.
Witt faces charges of first-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless endangerment. She has already pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
In addition to facing jail time for Stone's death, she also faces a $32 million wrongful death lawsuit from Stone's estate.
[Photo: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office]
