Driver Who Killed Motorcyclist in 2023 Crash Sentenced to 2 1/2-15 Years
(OCSO, Sept 28, 2024)
Pontiac, MI- A Waterford Township woman who pleaded guilty to alcohol-related felony charges in the 2023 traffic death of White Lake Township motorcyclist was sentenced to 2 ½ to 15 years in prison this week.
Jessica Lenore Kellar, 31, was charged in the Sept. 15, 2023, crash that killed 70-year-old Kirt Keenan Stalker.
Kellar was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with an occupant less than age 16.
Crash investigators determined Kellar’s blood alcohol level at the time of the incident was 0.10 percent. A driver is considered intoxicated under state law at 0.08 percent and above.
Kellar pleaded guilty on Aug. 6 in Oakland County Circuit Court. Judge Mary Ellen Brennan sentenced her to prison on Wednesday. “
While I am appreciative this individual is held accountable for their actions, it continues to frustrate me that people intentionally and willfully get behind the wheel of a car after they’ve been drinking and put others at risk,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “Lives are destroyed and lost through this reckless behavior and hopefully this sends a message to others to make a simple, easy choice of finding an alternative ride if they have been drinking.”
The crash happened at the intersection of East Huron Street and northbound Woodward Avenue in Pontiac. Kellar was operating a 2016 GMC Canyon eastbound on Huron Street near Woodward Avenue alongside a 2018 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle operated by Stalker. Kellar made an improper turn in front of the motorcycle, causing the crash that killed the motorcyclist.
Stalker, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Kellar and her 15- year-old passenger, were not injured. The incident was investigated by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit.
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